Princess of the Concubines

by Turion

An heir, never banished. A Water Tribe Princess bound in golden shackles and a gilded cage. The Avatar returns to a world much changed and divided. Horrors of the war plague him, yet the memory of her daunting blue eyes haunt him. "AANG RUN!" a guttural scream ripped itself from her throat. "KATARA!"

6. 5

AN: Another chapter so soon? Yes! One thing I would like to say, is that when looking into the tv show's depiction of the Sun Warrior Culture, I felt a heavy pull towards Indian Culture. From the music to the temples and even some of the outfits. I know people see them as more tribal, but I felt more drawn to Hindu culture. So, in my story, since India is considered a part of South Asia, I will be using influences from their culture for the Sun Warrior's in this chapter and future chapters. It is a vibrant culture and I wish to explore more of it in this story line. I hope you enjoy. Also, please note that anything I post is not meant to be offensive in any way.

Now, there are two songs that you might want to have in queue in this order:

Deewani Mastani – English translation can be found online. I just can leave a link.

O Saki Saki – English translation can be found online. I just cant leave a link.

When you see [PLAY SONG: SONG NAME] load up the song as listed.

Also, because there really is no other way to describe the outfit that Song will be wearing other than by technical means, you can definitely watch the music video for Deewani Mastani to get a full picture of her outfit.

Same with Katara's. But her outfit was inspired by the music video 'O Saki Saki' and feel free to watch that to better understand her outfit.

Also! Please reference a extremely detailed map of the Four Nations that can be found on Mhairi's Pinterest Board labeled Avatar The Last Airbender, since I cannot link that as well.

Ok! Please enjoy! This is almost 17,000 words.

---

"Dancing is the hidden language of the soul," Madam Min states as she sips her tea.

Katara had been called to her office shortly after her encounter with the Prince and the esteemed Lady Song. Katara was quite stunned to see that the Prince had taken a liking to a small Earth Kingdom girl. Yet she could see the appeal. Her features were soft and plump with eyes that reminded Katara of coal ashes. Small painted lips forming a brilliant smile that reached her eyes and Katara knew why he had chosen her. Song was pleasant and radiating happiness, which was a far contrast to most of the other women in the harem. Most seemed jaded, disingenuous and cunning. Katara could see the hatred in their eyes when they took in her appearance. She is not unaware of how beautiful she is, but she wishes that they would not see her as a threat. Her intentions for remaining in such a place have nothing to do with which royal she can fit between her thighs. She would rather earn a man's love and affection on her feet, not off them.

"You unfortunately will not be allowed to participate in next week's performance for the royal household," again she sips her tea quietly.

Katara nods softly, "How unfortunate indeed," she sighs as her eyes remain glued to her tea cup. Her mind has been wandering since her encounter with the Prince. So she vaguely catches what the Madam says.

Madam Min clears her throat before standing from her desk, "Follow me."

Katara does so in silence. They pass through the winding corridors of the harem for what seems like minutes. Finally, after the lengthy walk accompanied by deafening silence, they come to a set of large golden doors. Women were carved into the plated gold, portrayed dancing and playing strange instruments. Katara could only assume that once she was fully recovered, this is where she would learn to dance. The doors opened after Madam Min gave three sharp knocks. Beyond the doors is a large room with vaulted ceilings, white alabaster flooring, lining columns and giant open windows. White and pink pastel silks hung from the ceiling and swayed with the gentle breeze that flits through the room. Across from the windows is a large wall length mirror so the dancers may observe and scrutinize their performances and each other.

Vibrant music and laughter fill the air. Currently there is a rehearsal taking place. Several twirling dancers form a large circle. Katara notices that at the center of the spinning dancers is Song. Her long brown curled tresses hang loose just below the waist and as she twirls about the inner circle, her hair flys around her in a hypnotic way. The clanking of anklets draws Katara's attention away from Song as the dancers gather behind her in a flurry of motion. They form a triangle behind her and suddenly they all, in perfect sync deliver three loud claps. They move out again all spinning around the room, following Song's direction of movement. She brings her hands up above her head and starts to move them in a billowy fashion and the dancers pulse around her. A small circle forms around her, followed by two more slightly larger circles of dancers and they all follow her hand movements before linking their hands together and arching their bodies backwards.

"A lotus…" Katara breathes softly, looking at the exquisite beauty and synchronicity of the dancers.

Madam Min hums softly, "A fire lily, to be exact. This is where you will practice after you're healed," she leads Katara from the practice room and Katara cannot help but sway to the sound of the music.

"Next is the Royal Library," the Madam curls her fingers instructing Katara to follow, "that is where you'll be spending most of your time," the Madam gives her a look over her shoulder, "for now."

Katara nods softly as her mind continues to play the images of the dance in her head, over and over again. She hates to admit it, but she is intrigued to see the whole performance. That is if she is allowed to attend.

"Am I allowed to attend the performance next week?" Katara asks softly.

Madam Min scuffs in indignation, "Allowed? My dear girl, you are required to be in attendance."

Katara looks at her mutely and the Madam merely sighs, "This way," she breathes and resumes her pace down the hall and out of the harem in silence.

Two guards stand post outside the library doors. Madam Min approaches them with Katara in tow and both men bow to her neatly.

"Madam Min," they straighten up, eyes lingering to Katara.

The Madam offers a curt nod in response, "Gentlemen," and Katara follows her example, "this is Lady Katara. One of our most recent acquisitions," their eyes divert back to the young water tribe woman, "she will be making daily trips to the library to brush up on required materials. See to it that she is not disturbed."

Both men bow immediately, "Yes Madam Min!" they say in unison.

The Madam offers them a genuine smile before she escorts Katara into the depths of the Royal Library.

Katara's eyes widen immensely as she takes in the dozens of rows of shelving, all containing scrolls that held the history and intel of the Fire Nation. Large wooden tables sit in open areas with scrolls scattered about and candles waiting to burn brilliantly for the nightly scholars. Small fruit baskets and canisters of water decorate the tables, while pillows and blankets litter the windowsills. Katara is amazed by how many scroll shelves there are and they reach to practically the ceiling! There are wooden ladders that seem to be attached to a track system along the ceiling and it appears to glide the ladders around the entire library. No doubt giving her access to any scroll she desires.

The Madam takes in her awestruck reaction and smiles minutely, "Take as much time as you need in here," she whispers softly, effectively catching Katara's attention, "remember, in here you have access to information the rest of the world does not. Use your time in the library wisely," she clears her throat, knowing that too much silence will make the guards attempt investigation.

"Be sure to study Fire Script. You must learn to read and write our written word," the Madam says with a clear and loud voice, straightening her posture as she paces about, "be sure to go over diverse selections of literature. Verse yourself in poetry and short tales Lady Katara and from there we shall see about expanding your knowledge."

Katara responds enthusiastically, "Yes Madam!"

This room right here is the entire reason she plans to stay and follow through with this charade. Even if every fiber in her being demands blood, she knows that it is not her place to kill the Fire Lord. She understands that it has to be Aang, but that doesn't take the temptation away. Perhaps she could take out his heirs…Katara notes that she's lost herself to her thoughts and gives the Madam an apologetic smile.

Madam Min eyes her warily but rewards her with a softening of the eyes and a brief frown. She pulls a scroll from the shelf nearest to them and hands it over to Katara.

"Since you'll be attending next week, you should study the story behind Song's performance."

Katara looks down at the rolled parchment, the scrolling fire script glaring at her, "This is the tale of one of our most revered ladies, the second wife of Chief Bajirao. Her name was Mastani."

"Mastani?" Katara inquired.

"She was the daughter of a chief from a small north eastern island. She was a child of fire and air. Her beauty was said to be unmatched. But what set her apart from other women of her social standing was her tenacity and ferocity. It is what attracted a man like Bajirao to her."

"Daughter of fire and air?"

The Madam nods, "Mixing of benders was somewhat taboo at that time in history. Many believed she would be the downfall of Bajirao."

Katara presses forward slightly, "Was she?"

The Madam chuckles, "Read and find out."

Katara's brow furrows, "While reading, you'll find we were not always so rigid and lifeless," Madam Min nods to the scroll, "we were a diverse and colorful people once. With romance bleeding in our hearts and dance in our souls. We have long since wandered from the path of our ancestors."

Katara's hands clutch at the scroll instinctively, "Your ancestors?"

Madam Min chuckles, "The Sun Warriors, Guardians of the Eternal Flame and Descendants of the Dragons."

Katara's eyes widen a fraction. She had never heard of the Sun Warriors before now.

As if reading her thoughts the Madam steps around her, "Not many know of our history," she moves to a different shelf, littered with scrolls that looked ancient, "but it was vibrant. Festivals celebrating the start of spring, the triumph of light over darkness," she scuffs as she pulls a few more scrolls from the shelf, "we celebrated everything with a burning passion, even star-crossed lovers. Our souls rivaled the eternal flame and even the dragons envied our spirits."

"What happened?" Katara finds herself asking.

The Madam levels her gaze with a fierce look, "Pride."

Brows furrowing, Katara steps forward, "I don't understand."

The Madam hands over the scrolls and dusts her hands together, "The more our people learned from the dragons, the more pride began to settle into our hearts."

"Being prideful is not a sin," Katara states her chest puffing out slightly.

The Madam shakes her head, "No, it isn't. But it can be poisonous when you lose sight of what is right."

Katara watches her as she goes to sit down in one of the large open windows, "Pride evolves to greed and soon greed turns to hatred. When there is hatred fueling a nation, misguided hatred at that, everyone suffers."

Slowly Katara sits down across from her, scrolls at her side, "Some more than others," she mutters softly.

The Madam looks at her sympathetically for a moment, "Most people seem to forget that the first nation the Imperial Firebenders invaded was their own."

At that Katara chews on the inside of her cheek, not knowing quite how to respond. There was not much she knew of the Fire Nation's history. She only knew of their hatred and savagery when it came to destroying her village, raid after raid.

"Not all in the Fire nation agreed with the decimation of the Air Nomads or the raids on the Southern Water Tribe. Those who spoke against the insanity of Fire Lord Sozin were wiped out. His fear and greed controlled him to the point of paranoia. To kill your own people, that as a ruler you swore to protect…" Madam Min trails off with a suffering voice and Katara's heart breaks just a little.

"I didn't realize—"

The Madam cut her off, "Not many do. The world wants to believe that they were the first victims of Fire Lord Sozin's rage. But they weren't. He turned against his people long before he turned against the other nations," she sighs heavily, her eyes glistening, "and what was the response to such brutality by the other nations?"

Katara is stunned into silence and the Madam narrows her gaze, "Exactly. The world was silent."

Katara casts her eyes downward, hands fidgeting in her lap and she became increasingly uncomfortable under her gaze. The idea of the Fire Nation turning against her own people was unthinkable and it made Katara feel uncomfortable. She didn't want to feel sympathy for anyone from the Fire Nation. It would make her time here that much easier if she could continue hating them. But knowing this small bit of information, forces a new light upon Katara's ideology and she hates it.

"The truth often makes us uncomfortable Katara," the Madam clasps her hand around Katara's, "but it must be understood, so justice is rightfully served."

Katara nods not knowing quite what to say. She merely offers a comforting hand over Madam Min's and gives it a reassuring squeeze.

The Madam smiles softly, "Never take the role of a judge before understanding the entirety of a situation Katara," she pulls her hand away and stands, "it only makes fools out of everyone and fuels the hatred more."

Katara rises, gathering the scrolls in her hand, "Yes Madam," she bows her head.

"Come," the Madam turns on her heel and begins to lead Katara from the library, "you must meet with the Royal Tailor and get your measurements taken."

---

The Madam knocks on the doors to the Royal Tailor's suites and Katara can here a faint, "Be there in a moment!" coming from the other side.

Suddenly one door swings open and there is a tall, middle-aged man standing there with hair falling from his topknot. His robes a disarray and chalked strings hang around his neck. Small needles stick out of a pin cushion that is secured at his wrist. His skin reminds Katara of honey and his eyes a brilliant dusky hue. There is bit of gray streamed through his ebony hair, but Katara doesn't mind. She finds that it makes him a bit more appealing to the eye.

"Nyla! I was wondering when you'd stop by," his brow wiggles at her suggestively and the Madam huffs indignantly.

"It is Madam Min, Mushi," she grates out and the man chuckles at her irritation.

Katara watches this small interaction and she notes the fondness in the Royal Tailor's eyes as he looks at the Madam. Reminds her of how she once caught her father looking at her mother when she was making stewed sea prunes. She had seen that look many times shared between her parents and she knew what it meant. For a brief moment she wonders if the Madam shares his affections in return or if her eyes wandered elsewhere. Suddenly Katara is reminded of the interaction she noted between the prince and the Madam and for some reason, it bothers her.

"Who is this delectable creature you have with you?" he steps out, dusting his hands off.

"Katara," the Madam rolls her eyes at the man, "this is the Royal Tailor."

The tailor bows swiftly, hand sweeping out to collect one of Katara's, "You may call me Mushi, my lady."

The Madam clears her throat and Katara blushes shyly, pulling her hand away from his after feeling his lips brush across her flesh.

"We came here to get Katara's measurements," the Madam states as she brushes past Mushi.

The man in question simply chuckles before turning and extending his arm out, "This way my lady."

As Katara enters, she notes the luxurious outfit on display in the center of the room. A mannequin models the the fabric. It was breath taking. Katara wonders if it was for a noblewoman or even the princess herself. Though she thinks it may be too colorful for the Princess Azula. Mushi takes note of her intrigued observation of the outfit and comes to stand behind her, his voice and proximity startling her momentarily.

"Do you like it?" he asks her softly, breath brushing over her ear.

Katara nods softly, "It is beautiful."

Mushi moves around her to stand next to his masterpiece, "Song will be pleased, I'm sure," he states with pride and the Madam nods.

"You've outdone yourself this time Mushi."

"I tried to stick to the culture of both ancient Sun Warriors and Ancient Air Nomads," he states as his hand traces down the side of the piece.

Katara cocks her head slightly and observes that it isn't a dress it is something entirely different.

"What is it exactly?" Katara asks and Mushi looks at her stunned for a moment.

"It's art," he declares finally and Katara finds herself chuckling at his dramatics.

She nods her head, hand covering her mouth, "Of course."

"This, my dearest little flower is what we call a lehenga with a backless anarkali-style blouse," he begins, showing off the top and bottom piece of the exquisitely designed outfit, "I've added a brocade lining to the skirt and beneath it are a pair of loose fitting pants," he declares as if Katara knows what any of that means.

Katara watches as his hand traces over the sheer gold sleeve of the blouse, "I thought floral thread work and sequins fit well with the blouse," he turns to Madam Min, "while adding bold gotta patti borders in a molten gold to the skirt in layers. I feel like it brings both cultures together appropriately," he finishes by weaving his hands together.

"It is a remarkable piece Mushi," the Madam says with a genuine tone, "it suits Song's beauty and personality well."

He spins to Katara, "Wait until you see the jewelry," he states excitedly, "the Royal Jeweler was excited to make these pieces for this performance."

As he ushers Katara over to a small gold case she finds herself amused yet irritated. They made jewelry for this one specific dance, that may or may not be repeated in the future. It seemed like such a waste when there were people starving in the streets and a war going on to spend such money and resources on silly things like a dress and jewelry for one night's performance. She couldn't fully wrap her mind around it. But this was the Fire Nation. They were thriving off the war and perhaps these small things distracted them from the reality beyond their borders. As she gazes at the jewelry pieces inside the small golden trunk, she cannot deny the artistry of the lehenga and how the jewels would only enhance its overall appearance. It was beautiful beyond measure and Song, with her milky smooth skin, will look ravishing in it.

"This is a nath," he pulls out a ring with a chain on it that has a hook at its end. Katara's quizzical gaze entices Mushi to explain the jewelry pieces to her.

"This," he points to the ring itself, "is secured via a piercing in Song's nose," Katara's face scrunches just a little at the thought, "and this," he points to the hook, "can either be fastened at the top of the ear or in the hair."

"Wouldn't that be uncomfortable?" she asks.

"As a Royal Concubine, you trade comfort for beauty Katara," the madam's voice comes from behind her, "you'd do well to remember that." Katara sighs softly at that with a small roll of her eyes.

She observes the piece a little more and she cannot deny its beauty. A gold ring with what looks to be a large fire lily made out of precious stones, accompanied by a smaller fire lily. Diamonds inlaid into the base of the piece with pearls that are threaded to the gold bar with small golden rods and they protrude out the other side. A string of pearls on golden threading go from the side of the ring and continue for almost a hand's length and stop when a small hook takes up the end.

Next he pulls these intricate golden pieces out that have four rings that are attached to strings of golden disks connected to them. With what appears to be some type of golden bracket attached to it all at the base.

"These are called haath phool," he begins to slip one in over his hand, "they are worn to draw attention to the movements of the hand," all four rings fit perfectly on his fingers. As the piece is stretched out, the gold pieces travel down each finger to fasten to a wrist piece. It is quite beautiful.

Next his hand dances across a piece that looks like a fan of a bird's tail feathers, "This is a passa and it is secured in the hair," it is made of small pearls and a few precious stones and at it's too, there is another small hook, "it is secured in the hair."

"And last, but certainly not least, we have what is called a kundan choker," his hand grazes over a necklace and Katara instinctively reaches for her throat. She is reminded by its nakedness that her necklace had fallen off in battle. Her heart twists with guilt and despair at losing the last thing she had of her mother. Her eyes slowly travel down to the choker and she notes its beauty. Where her mother's was a simple blue silk collar and a blue wet stone, this piece was all gold and strung together on golden threads no doubt. Intricately designed pointed golden pieces strung together with a pearl at the top and bottom of each point.

"Beautiful," she mumbles softly and Mushi beams.

"Yes, all of these pieces are based off of the ancient cultures with our modern twist and I think Aro did a fantastic job." Mushi closes the small box that contains the jewelry.

"He certainly did," the madam's voice comes from behind Katara.

"Come," Mushi offers her his hand, which Katara takes mutely and he escorts her over to a small platform. She steps up on it per his request and he begins to circle her like a predator surveying its prey.

"Pardon my intrusive proximity Lady Katara, but I must take your measurements now," Mushi says as he grabs a roll of chalked threading.

Katara merely nods as he comes closer, her eyes never leaving him. He reaches out, palm up, "May I?" his eyes lower to the scrolls in her hands.

She clears her throat softly before placing them in his awaiting hand, "Thank you," he smiles before tossing the scrolls to the cushioned seating next to the Madam.

Slowly he begins to pull the threading and loops it around her neck, careful not to touch her. Then he clips it. Another threading in a different color goes from the high point of her shoulder, down to her thigh, then another from shoulder to knee and finally, another color coded thread from shoulder to toe. Katara's brow raises slightly and Mushi understands her confusion.

"Different length dresses require me to know where your thighs, knees and feet are," he explains before pulling out another thread, "lift your arms for me."

Katara does as instructed and her breath hitches when he gets too close, both hands go under her arms, circling around her back—

There is an abrupt knock at the door and all three turn to it sharply, "Enter!" Mushi states as he pulls back from Katara. Her heart pounding at how close the Tailor was but also at the sudden loud intrusion. Her hand instinctively rests over her racing heart as she turns her gaze to the door.

"Mushi, if I have to listen to Uncle Iroh talk about his leaf juice a minute long—" Prince Zuko barges in, head down as he pushes both doors to the tailor's suites open. He stills when he sees Madam Min and the Water Tribe temptress standing there startled.

"Forgive me, I did not know you were otherwise occupied," he states, eyes connecting with Katara's. They hold their gaze with one another for quite some time, that is until Katara quickly turns to look at Madam Min.

"Zuko my boy!" Mushi rushes over to him, slinging an arm around his shoulders, "You know Iroh, such a passionate man when it comes to his tea!" he chuckles, pulling the Prince further into the room.

Zuko merely nods, eyes wandering back to Katara as she stands elevated on the pedestal. He mutely nods.

"So," Mushi's voice drags him out of his trance, "What brings you here?" he asks as he lays out the varying colored threads on his table.

Zuko clears his throat, "Uncle asked that I find you and Madam Min—"

"What could that old man want now?" Mushi chuckles.

Katara is stunned by the attitude of the Royal Tailor. His relationship with the Prince and his uncle must be quite comfortable if he dares to be so bold as to talk to them without a hint of respect. Katara finds it odd how a Royal Tailor and even the Madam seem to have such a close and personable relationship with the Prince. She intends to find out to the exact extent of said relationships and if they can be used to her advantage.

"Mushi!" the Madam swats the back of his head, "Show the General some respect, you cur!"

The man in question waives his hand at Madam Min dismissively, "When you've known Iroh as long as I have, you get special privileges," he chuckles, patting Zuko on his shoulder as he passes by.

"Did General Iroh state what the nature of our visit would be?" Madam Min asked, hesitant to leave Katara unattended.

The prince merely shook his head, "Not the faintest idea, but I'm sure it has something to do with tea and pai sho."

"Perhaps after we've finished—" the Madam gestures toward Katara and Mushi hooks his arm around Zuko's neck, effectively pulling him down to eye level.

"Zuko here can finish the rest for me," he taps Zuko's chest, "besides, weren't you just preaching about respect? To keep the General waiting seems to be very disrespectful," Mushi chuckles at the Madam's unamused face.

The madam looks back to Katara to see her eyes wide and it was evident that she did not want to be left alone with the Prince. To be quite frank, the Madam didn't want to leave Katara unattended either. Agni knows what that girl would do.

"What all do you have left?" Prince Zuko asks.

Mushi smirks, leaning in to whisper in his ear. Zuko seems to visibly flush as his eyes slowly rise to meet Katara's gaze. He nods his head and then clears his throat once Mushi releases him from his grip.

"Come among Nyla, Iroh waits for no man!" Mushi erupts with a boisterous voice as he marches to the doors, he swivels around with an amused face, "Or women for that matter," and chuckles as the madam storm's after him, throwing a small needle cushion at him that she finds on one of the various tables.

She pauses briefly at Katara, "I will return as soon as possible," her eyes flicker between Katara and the Prince, "please, don't do anything stupid or irrational. He is a good man," and with that, she follows Mushi out of the chamber. The doors close loudly behind them, sealing Zuko and Katara in the chamber together, alone.

Zuko's hand comes up to rub the back of his neck awkwardly. His eyes look around the room as he takes a deep breath. Katara crosses her arms over her chest, though she is still in her silk robe, she feels exposed. Silly she knows, the Prince had seen more of her body and touched her more intimately just mere hours ago. His movement catches her attention. She watches as he makes his way to the table with the spools of chalked thread. He collects a blue threaded spool and then turns to Katara.

"I just have to measure three places," he states softly, "then Mushi will have all of your measurements," he starts to approach her as if she was a wounded sea lion. Which if she thinks about it, she actually kind of is in his eyes.

Her eyes linger on his hands as he begins to pull the threading from the spool, his eyes meeting hers, demanding her attention silently, "Will you lift your arms for me?"

Katara stares at him for a moment, heart beginning to pound as she realizes how close he is about to get, she nods slowly, raising her arms up just enough for him to slip his under. As he steps into her space, she is greeted with the smell of charred sandalwood and musk. It is intoxicating and his overwhelming presence brushing up against her makes her knees feel like buckling. As swiftly as he approached, he pulls back, tugging the thread around her waist and bringing it together in the center. He reaches for the shears and clips the threading. Quietly he retreats and places the blue thread amongst the others and grabs a purple thread next. Again he is in her space and this time he seems hesitant.

"I need to measure—" he trails off, eyes averting upward and his hand pointing to her chest. Katara covers herself quickly once more and he steps behind her, "I won't touch you inappropriately," he whispers in her ear and Katara feels chills running down her spine. But these were different, these sent a warmth sensation to the pit of her stomach and she curses her body and how it reacts to him. Slowly she lowers her arms. She keeps repeating the same mantra in her head over and over that he is the enemy, but when she feels the chalked threading press against her bosom and his hands graze across her back, her mind goes blank.

A clipping sound echos in the silence of the room as the Prince cuts the threading and Katara releases a breath she didn't know she was holding. He comes to her once more with a gold thread.

"Last one," he states, "for the hips."

Katara nods. He suddenly sinks down onto one knee and Katara steps backwards out of instinct. His hand bolts out, fingers clasping around her wrist, holding her in place.

"I'm not going to hurt you," he looks up at her startled gaze and he can see her chest moving raggedly, "you have my word."

A flash of something that he can't quite place burns in her eyes for a mere second before it's gone. He can feel the fight slipping from her body as she becomes pliant under his hand. Once she is back to a steady breath, he releases her wrist and she pulls it up to her chest as if she had been burned. Her other hand instinctively wrapping around it.

As he slowly begins to wrap his arms loosely around her hips with the thread, his eyes never leave hers. He notes when the chalked string touches her body, her breath hitches as he secures it tightly back to the front. He cuts the string silently. Their gazes lock, never leaving one another's. Slowly Zuko rises, he is so unbearably close to her that if he were to move just a hair forward, their chests would touch and their lips would graze. He looks over her for a moment, pulling his face back just enough to really look at her and he can tell that she's uncomfortable with how close he is to her. But he can tell that her body has a mind of its own. Her chest rises and falls rapidly, so much so that she ends up grazing him. His eyes snap down to where their bodies connect before slowly raising his gaze to hers.

There is something in her eyes that he knows all too well. Unbridled desire. Something uncontrollable. The body's natural response is often times a curse upon its owner. But something in him snaps when she presses against him tentatively. Almost as if daring him to touch her. Swiftly his hand grips her waist, pulling her flush against him. A soft gasp escapes her while his other hand comes up to tuck a few strands of loose hair behind her ear. A flash of blue around his wrist is caught from her peripheral but she doesn't think much of it. Their eyes never waiver in this stare down and Katara shudders at the warmth that radiates from him as he speaks.

"You are so beautiful temptress," his breath fans across her face, her lips part as she feels like he is moving in closer. But he pauses, his eyes searching hers for something and she doesn't know what it is he is looking for. Slowly be pulls back from her and she is confused.

"I am so sorry," he whispers before pulling away from her entirely and without another word, the Prince exits the tailor's study, tossing the shears and gold thread on the table on his way out.

Katara sinks to the floor, gasping for air. The tension was suffocating. She cannot help the way her body is drawn to him, even if her mind is of different thought. She mulls over what he called her, temptress and she feels her face heating up and a smile skim across her lips. Quickly she shakes her head and decides to return to the harem. She collects her scrolls and leaves without further thought.

---

That night she stays up late with only a small candle illuminating her room. Her eyes burn from irritation and she sighs, pushing the Mastani scroll away from her in frustration. She collapses on her low rising table. She cannot read Fire Script. How does Madam Min expect her to have this read in a weeks time?

As if sensing her distress, there is a knock outside her chamber and Katara sits up slightly to see who it is.

"I see you're still awake," the Madam parts the silk doorway and comes to sit in front of Katara.

Katara huffs in annoyance, "I will never understand what this says," she rolls the scroll towards the madam, "or any of them for that matter."

The Madam smiles at Katara and it is genuine, "You'll meet your tutor in the morning," she rolls the scroll up, "but I'm sure you won't have it mastered by next week's performance."

Katara scowls at her and the Madam laughs.

"I'll be more than willing to give you a summarized version, but I still think it would be important for you to read it once you're able," the Madam says and Katara perks up at the suggestion.

"Please tell me, I promise to read the scroll once I know how."

The Madam looks at her with a narrowed gaze, as of to measure the weight of her words before a smile breaks out across her lips, "Very well."

"Mastani was a warrior princess from a small village east of the Western Air Temple," the Madam begins telling her tale, "she was one of the most beautiful women history knew. It was said that she had a fierce protectiveness over her people. One day, her village was threatened by outsiders. At the time, the Air Nomads were nomadic monks who abhorred violence. They refused to come to her villages aid. So, she had but one choice left and that was to turn to the Sun Warriors."

Katara was enthralled. She leans on the table, staring the Madam down with curious eyes.

"Her plight appealed to the young Sun Warrior leader, a man named Bajirao and he decided to assist in protecting her village from destruction. Now, different cultures had different traditions. When Bajirao gave Mastani his knife as a token of their bond, in her village, that was a sign of marriage between a young couple. So when Bajirao left her island, she followed him shortly after. Her heart was so full of love that being separated from him for too long caused her pain."

The candle flickers in the night and Katara is drawn to the Madam's story telling, "So she appeared before his court, proclaiming her love for him before all his people in the form of a song and dance. Mastani knew that Bajirao had a wife and that she would be considered his second wife, with less standing, but she did not care. For her love was pure and without him, life was not worth living."

Katara pulls up from the table, her brows scrunched in confusion, "She knew he was married and still tried to win his heart?"

"He had given it to her willingly the day he gave her that knife. Bajirao knew of her villages traditions. He was a well educated man. Now, as for the rest of the story," the Madam sits up, "you'll have to read the rest."

Katara pouts , "There is no more you can tell me?"

Madam Min shakes her head, "I've told you enough to understand the performance, the rest you will have to read for yourself."

Katara clicks her tongue in discontent.

For a moment they sit there in silence and Katara realizes that she no longer has makeup on. She is stunned to say this, but the Madam is breathtaking.

"Why do you wear makeup?" Katara asks abruptly.

The Madam is startled slightly by the sudden intrusion on their peaceful silence, "Pardon?"

Katara repeats herself and the Madam bows her head shyly, "To hide my face."

"Why? You're quite beautiful. If anything, the makeup makes you look far older," Katara states matter of factly.

Madam Min smirks, "I do not wish to garner any attention from the Fire Lord," she looks up at Katara, "so I hide behind an aged mask created by makeup to keep those with wandering eyes disinterested."

"How old—"

"Didn't your mother ever teach you it is rude to ask a lady her age?" she interrupts Katara playfully, but immediately regrets it when she registers the sad look in her eyes.

"My mother died when I was a child."

Madam Min knew this of course. She knew Katara's history and she cursed herself for the lapse in judgment, "I am so sorry Katara, I didn't mea—"

She smiles sadly as she cuts the Madam off, "It happened a long time ago," she waves her hand dismissively.

"I just turned 40 this year," the Madam moves the conversation back to its original path.

Katara nods, "With the makeup, you look much older."

The Madam smiles, "And please, when we are alone, you may call me Nyla."

Katara smiles, "Thank you, Nyla."

They sit silently for a few more moments. Katara chews on her inner lip before she decides to present her idea to Nyla.

"I want to seduce Prince Zuko," she blurts out in a whispered voice, not wanting anyone who was still awake to hear her.

Nyla jerks back at her statement, "What?"

"I want to appeal to Prince Zuko more than the Fire Lord."

Nyla sighs, her fingers coming up to pinch the bridge of her nose, "He has a fiancé—"

Katara interrupts her, "That he does not want or so the gossip says—"

"And he has Lady Song!" Nyla whispers back harshly, "Have you forgotten about her?"

Slowly Katara pulls back, "Please, I cannot go to the Fire Lord!"

Nyla is surprised by Katara's show of emotion, "It is not up to me who claims you Katara," she whispers out, leaning closer, "I may be of the Order, but my power in the palace is limited."

"But—"

"That means that if Prince Zuko was interested and that is a big if, he would have to challenge the Fire Lord for you," the Madam continues.

"He is interested," Katara becomes bold.

"Prince Zuko is a good man Katara," Nyla hisses at her through gritted teeth, "he does not need to be roped into your schemes. He has dealt with enough."

"So I should suffer because you don't think he could best his father?" Katara hisses back.

Nyla pinches the bridge of her nose once more, "You don't understand."

"Understand what?"

Nyla sets a firm gaze on Katara, "It isn't my story to tell. But positioning Prince Zuko against his father is dangerous waters you're wading into."

"If you're not gonna help me—"

"I didn't say that," Nyla interrupted her, "I just said that you're going into dangerous waters and I hope you're ready for any of the consequences that follow."

A determined look passes over Katara's face, "Anything is better than letting that monster touch me."

Nyla sighs, resigning to Katara's demand, "We'll start once you're healed."

"We can start tomorrow," Katara corrects her.

"Your wound—"

Katara interrupts her, "I've dealt with worse. I am a warrior remember?"

There is silence once more and Nyla seems to be mulling over something.

Finally she speaks, "I sent word out to the Order's post in Gaoling," Katara perks up, "I told them that upon your brother's return, they are to inform him of your infiltration plan. That they are not to mount a rescue mission, that you are safe under my care."

Katara chews on her lip for a moment, thinking over Nyla's words, "Thank you. Knowing Sokka, he'd try to find a way to rescue me. But I cannot let him cost us the war. I need Sokka to watch over him and to keep his training on schedule. They still need to find both a instructor for earth and fire."

"We have already acquired a firebender," Nyla states, offering no further explanation.

Shaking her head in disbelief, "Master Jeong Jeong?"

"No, someone else. Someone who has an invested interest in the future of the Fire Nation. They will meet with him once he has found his earthbending teacher and mastered that element," Nyla supplies her matter of factly.

Katara nods, "Very well."

Another stretch of silence passes between them as sleep begins to lull their minds.

Nyla stands, stretching out her body before looking down at katara, "Get some rest," she heads toward the exit, "we start at dawn."

A heavy breath passes through Katara's lips as she slumps back against the wall behind her. A smirk tugs at her lips. She was sincere when she told the Madam that she wanted Zuko more than his father. He did not seem like he would force himself upon her and would respect her enough. That would make Katara's time here easier. It would give her the time and space she needed to do her own reconnaissance within the palace and its archives. Besides, he had Song to sedate his carnal desires.

---

Dawn came far more abruptly than Katara would have liked. Madam Min storms her room, throwing open the curtains along the eastern wall. Katara yelps at the intrusion and tries to burrow herself deeper into her covers. But the Madam isn't having any of that. She crosses the room and rips the covers off of Katara's body, forcing a yelp from her.

"Up Lady Katara! You're burning precious daylight!" Madam Min shouts.

Katara bolts upright looking like a wild animal and the Madam cannot help but laugh, "Come," she tosses a robe to Katara, "we have much to do!"

Groaning, Katara rolls from the bed, slipping the robe over her sheer white nightgown and tosses her hair into a sloppy bun. She follows the Madam silently as she tries to rub the sleep from her eyes.

They are in the main bath house, towels wrapped securely around them. Their wet hair pinned above their heads. Nyla has been instructing Katara on tea house etiquette and how it differs from dance. It can still be seductive but in a more demure and subtle way.

"Say I'm entertaining the Admiral," Nyla starts, beads of water traveling down her neck, "like so many others in the Fire Nation he is trapped in a politically arranged marriage. So in the harem, when he's seeking my company instead, I reward him like this," she twists her hand around, pulling her sleeve up gently to bare her flesh, "with a glimpse of my wrist," she pretends to grab a tea kettle.

Katara watches carefully, "Seeing this demure patch of skin gives him pleasure," she scoffs at Nyla's words.

Nyla gives her a gentle shove, "Or when you're sitting down, press your leg against his," Nyla presses her outer thigh against Katara's and quickly shies away, "always by accident of course," she continues with a gentle bow, hand coming to cover the coy smile on her lips.

Katara laughs at the ridiculousness of it all, "You think this alone will seduce him?"

Nyla splashes water at her and Katara laughs, splashing her back, "Focus on your studies Katara. Music, the art of conversation. The surest way to win over Prince Zuko is on your feet, not off them."

Katara sighs as they both take their leave from the bathhouse, "Speaking of studies, your Fire Script tutor will meet you in the library within the half hour. We will continue our lessons afterward," the Madam states and Katara quickly darts to her room, changes and rushes off to the library. The guards give her a sharp bow and allow her access with ease. She feels giddy at the thought of them letting her, their enemy, walk right past them without a second thought.

She spends her time waiting for her tutor by looking around the library. Hoping soon to understand what each section meant. Too bad it was all in Fire Script. Soon, she'd be able to read the strange markings and come to understand the Fire Nation's language well enough to get some damning intel. As she looks around, she suddenly feels a presence and she cannot shake the feeling that she is not alone. She turns slowly around, looking down either side of the isle and sees no one. Normally her instincts are pretty spot on.

"Looking for someone?" a gruff and foreign voice catches her off guard.

Whirling around, Katara backs into the shelf out of sheer surprise to see none other than Commander Zhao standing behind her. Her eyes widen a fraction as he inches closer and she tries to contain the snarl forcing its way onto her lips.

"I thought my eyes deceived me when I saw you that day in the throne room," his breath fans across her cheek as she averts her gaze, eyes set firmly on the ground.

She had encountered Zhao several times along their journey to the Earth Kingdom from the Northern Water Tribe. They had fought against one another several times. She will admit there was a single moment when she thought he was going to kill her. But the killing blow never came. She discovered that one of his men didn't agree with killing women and charged him. The man had saved her and took her back to her camp where Yue healed her injuries. He was clad in a Fire Nation uniform and his helmet obscured her view of his face. To this day she still wishes she could have thanked him.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you," Zhao demands, inching closer.

Katara can feel the shelving digging into her back as she presses against it, trying to keep as much space between them as possible.

"No," she says firmly, shifting her gaze away from him entirely.

He snarls viciously, "Oh? You'd rather look at my boots? Well then," his hand shoots out, wrapping around her throat and he pulls her in close, "take a look!" suddenly he throws her to the ground.

Katara falls with a loud thud and she wonders if the guards outside can hear the commotion.

"I remember you, Katara of the Joint Water Tribes," he towers over her as she comes to sit on her knees, still avoiding his gaze, "so strong willed and fierce," the tip of his boot hooks under her chin, lifting her face for their eyes to meet, "but not to worry, I'll break you of that in no time."

Katara jerk's her face away from his boot and tries to back away but he is bending down to her and his hand snaps out snatching hold of her jaw.

"Now look me in the eye!" spit hits her face as his fingers dig into her cheeks and she is forced to make eye contact with this monster. Her breathing quickens and her fists clench at her sides. He pulls her up to where she is practically standing on her knees.

"See," he sneers down at her, "isn't that better?"

Katara tries to pull her face from his grasp but it only tightens and she whimpers softly at the pain.

"You will do as I say or pay the price. You will—" seeing an opening, she takes it and with all of her strength, Katara pulls her fist back before punching him square between his legs. He howls and falls to his knees before her and Katara takes the opportunity to break his nose, her fist colliding with bone and cartilage before running away. She tries to make it to the library entrance before he can recover. Unfortunately she is not successful. She hears him curse behind her as arms fasten around her waist effectively trapping her.

Spinning on his heel, Zhao slams Katara up against one of the scroll shelves and it rattles at the force. She gasps when she feels his hand on her throat and a knee forcing its way between her legs. She struggles against him and he chuckles darkly at her struggling.

"Where is your waterbending now Princess?"

Suddenly someone clearing their throat get Zhao's attention, "I said no interruptions!" he spits in her face and Katara claws at his hand around her throat, "Who dares to interrupt me?!"

Katara's eyes widen when she sees the Prince standing there, his radiant golden eyes narrow into dangerous slits as he takes in the scene before him.

Zhao notices her facial expression and turns just in time for Prince Zuko to speak, "I do Commander," Zuko approaches swiftly.

"Prince Zuko—" Zhao begins but is silenced when a had wraps around his throat and the Prince slams him into the shelf, pinning him there. Katara gasps and falls to the ground when Zhao releases her and she scurries away from the two men. She notes briefly that the Prince is a few inches taller than Zhao, much more broad and well defined. She is sure he can take Zhao head on if need be.

"Are you alright?" Prince Zuko asks Katara and she nods, hand massaging her throat as she stands.

His attention turns back to Zhao, pulling him dangerously close to his face, "If I ever see you lay a hand on her like that again," Zhao begins to squirm beneath the Prince's grip and suddenly Katara can see small plumes of smoke rising from his hand, "I'll be sure to leave a mark they won't be able to heal."

Zuko snatches his hand away from Zhao's throat and a red palm mark is seared into his skin. Katara could tell it wouldn't leave any type of scarring.

"Get out of my sight," Zuko commanded and Zhao scurries off without a second glance at Katara.

His attention quickly turns to her. He approaches her with swift steps and she ends up backing herself up against a wall. She turns her face when he is close, too close and before she can protest, she feels his hand on her chin, slowly lifting her head up. Fingers run across her throat gingerly and electricity floods her body from such a delicate touch.

"It shouldn't bruise," his hoarse voice mumbles before he's pulling away and giving her ample space.

Instinctively, Katara's hand comes up to her throat, "Thank you, your majesty," she bows sincerely to him, "I don't know what I would have—"

He holds up a hand, cutting her off, "Don't let your mind wander down that path Lady Katara," she stares at him for a moment.

They both are silent before he speaks up once more, "Madam Min said that you were to be learning Fire Script?"

Katara nods, brow arches in curiosity as to how he knew that, "Yes, I'm waiting for my tutor."

Prince Zuko hums in acknowledgement, "Please," his hand extends towards one of the tables, "sit. We have much to go over before I have to attend a council meeting."

Katara looks at him quizzically, her brows furrowing, "Wha—"

"Madam Min asked that I help you with your Fire Script studies. I am your tutor," he sits down, waiting for her to join him.

Katara stares in disbelief before coming to sit in the chair next to the Prince, "Why?"

Prince Zuko shrugs, "Perhaps it's because I am the only one who speaks your native tongue and can read and write in Water Tribe Script. She thought it would be much easier, since we have a common ground to start on."

"You speak Water Tribe dialect?" Katara asks shocked.

The Prince nods with a smile, "Now," he pulls a blank parchment and a full inkwell over to them and holds out an ink brush, "shall we begin?"

---

"When you sway your hips just so," the choreographer's hands grip Katara's hips, "it is more enticing."

Katara nods, wiping sweat from her brow as she tries to recreate the movement once more. They had been in the practice room for hours going over Katara's dance routine. Every bit of this dance was seductive and Katara was horrified when the instructor had first showed her the choreography. Not to mention, the outfit Mushi had planned for her was not only stunning, but left very little to the imagination. Mushi wanted it to fit right with the style of music and Katara trusted his designing intuition. She told him that she wished to be desirable and he had jokingly told her that she didn't require anything to achieve that. She was flattered by his comment and shooed him away.

---

Her days had been tightly scheduled. In the early morning she would have her tutor sessions with Prince Zuko. Slowly, they became familiar with one another on small things. He talked of his people and his nation and how he spoke of both intrigued Katara. His passion made her want to experience his world the way he had, but she knew it was impossible to dream of such things. He asked her about the Joint Tribes and what it was like growing up there. Katara told him all she felt comfortable with. Not wishing to give too much away. She found it was easy to talk to him and thought that maybe, if their lives had been different, perhaps she and Zuko could have been friends. A blush would form at the thought of them being something more, but with the way the world was, lovers such as them would be frowned upon. So she would give him small snippets of her life. She would talk to him about hunting in the Southern Tundra for sea lions and about how her Gran Gran would make her help with the daily chores. He seemed fascinated by her life and he had finally asked how she had come to the Fire Nation. She was honest to a degree. She couldn't tell him that she was traveling with the Avatar. That would be like dangling a piece of meat before a mooselion. The Avatar was still thought to be a relic of times long past and Aang was not known to anyone outside of the Order. His presence could not be discovered until the appropriate hour. So she told him that she had been traveling with a band of rebels and were set upon by the Fire Nation. That she had been captured in the struggle.

He had apologized, his hands grabbing her own and trying to give her some form of reassurance.

"I know it isn't much, but I promise to protect you for as long as I'm here," he had told her one morning after their lessons and Katara had asked if he was going somewhere.

He was extremely cryptic and said, "I'm hoping that with my next assignment outside of the palace, the war will finally come to an end."

He did not elaborate further, but had merely told her that he would do everything in his power to keep her safe and she believed him. She couldn't deny the small subtle touches they shared or the quick glances exchanged during their lessons. She also couldn't deny that when she moved through the palace, she would silently pray she'd come across him. She was being silly and she cursed herself for it.

After her lessons with the Prince, she would head to the dance hall to practice with her choreographer. Jin would accompany her and boost her moral with cheers, whoops and chants. She empowered Katara when she felt like she wasn't doing well enough, when she thought that she wasn't enticing enough.

"If I was a man…" Jin would say, wiggling her eyebrows and she'd chase after Katara's skirts, "I'd have you all to myself!" she would yell as she would finally catch Katara in her arms. They would laugh together and find joy in their moments alone. It almost felt like normal and Katara found herself chastising herself for finding joy in the small freedoms she had here. She was still a prisoner, even if she had a friend and an ally inside the palace. She was still unclear at to what the Prince was to her.

But like the Madam, Jin somehow seemed to know what was going on in her head. She would often settle down in front of Katara, fingers tucking loose strands of wild locks behind her ears and she would smile sympathetically. She would take Katara's hands in her own and give them a kiss before holding them tightly.

"You are not alone," she would say, "sometimes I wonder if it is right that I find happiness within these walls," it was then that Katara knew that Jin was exactly like her, "it is ok Katara," she would say, "it is ok to find happiness and to hold on to it. Because that is what will get us through today and the day after that."

Always Katara would nod and smile, tears brimming in her eyes and Jin would pull her close, hold her, stroke her hair and tell her that everything was going to be ok. That they were going to be ok. Jin's words rang true and Katara decided that she would no longer belittle herself for finding some joy in the time of her captivity. There were things to be happy about. She was learning Fire Script. She had access to a surmountable amount of knowledge on the Fire Nation. She was strengthening her ties with the one of the Order's best kept agents and she was building a beautiful friendship with Jin. And then there was Prince Zuko. And enigma to her and she still could not piece together what he was to her exactly other than a means to an end. And as harshly as it sounded, she knew deep down that it was the furthest thing from the truth.

After her choreography lessons and moral sessions with Jin, Katara would then meet the Madam for etiquette lessons and for special grooming. Today was the final day for her preparation before her performance tomorrow night and she had to be ready. Everyone was rolled into the harem to work on her and she felt pampered.

---

"Come, we must bathe and shave you," Madam Min states as she once again drags Katara from her bed at dawn.

She was becoming use to the whole "rises with the sun" lifestyle that firebenders were so adept to. She still hates it, but she is becoming use to it.

"Shave me?" She asks groggily as she follows the madam to the bath house.

There Katara sees two maidservants waiting for her at the pools mouth. They rid her of her clothes and escort her into the warm waters.

"There is still much to teach you,"Madam Min begins as she sits down amongst the throw pillows and cushions, "but I feel as though you are well prepared for tomorrow night."

Katara smiles, "Thank you for your instruction."

With a wave of her hand, Madam Min dismisses her thanks, "I'd help you regardless. It is my duty as the Madam of the Royal Harem after all."

Katara laughs softly, "But of course."

The women work her hair as they do every day. Lathering it with scented oils after running whalebone combs through it.

As she sits there and lets the women work on her, she feels something sharp run up her leg. Alarmed she looks down into the water to see a small blade in one of the maidservant's hands.

"To shave your legs," she removes the small blade from the water and into Katara's view and Katara nods, calming her nerves.

The madam sits up, "Did they cut you?"

Katara shakes her head, "No, just startled me for a moment!"

She leans back as both women pull her into their hold and allows both women to continue their menstruations. By the time she is done, the only hair left on her body was on her head. It felt very intrusive to have her maidenhood shaved by someone else, but she bit her tongue and allowed them to continue. Once she was done, they rubbed oil into her skin and she smelled of lavender and lotus blossoms.

"There are a few things I wish to discuss with you," the Madam beckons her over, "and then we will make sure your dress is complete and go over your routine one last time."

Katara nods as she wraps her robe around herself before following the Madam back to her office. She sits across from her silently, watching the Madam take a tea kettle and cups from a maid servant.

"Now," Nyla begins to pour them tea, "the most important thing when you perform is to maintaining eye contact with Prince Zuko," she hands Katara her cup, "make it blatantly known that you are dancing for him."

Katara mumbles a thank you as she begins to sip her tea, "Next, under no circumstances are you to touch Fire Lord Ozai," Nyla states pointedly, "we do not want to make a spectacle and have anyone figuring out what it is your trying to do."

With a curt nod of her head, Katara continues to sip her tea, "And lastly, you should prepare for the evening after the performance."

"What do you mean?" Katara's brow furrows.

Nyla shifts before, she looks uncomfortable, "There are certain rules that I cannot change Katara. This being one of them. Whoever claims you as their lady, they are to bed you the first night."

Katara coughs, effectively choking on her tea, "What?"

Nyla's brow raises, "This is still a harem Katara and you are still a Lady of the Night. I have no power to change this rule. It has been a tradition for as long as I can remember. But there are ways to deal with it."

"Deal with it?" she sneers softly, "How do you deal with rape?"

Nyla's eyes widen, "Prince Zuko would never—"

"Ozai would," Katara grinds out, her hand clutching around her tea cup, "I cannot be his Nyla," her voice shakes, "I cannot."

Nyla is silent for a moment. She is leaning forward about to say something when a knock on her door halts her.

"Come in," she states firmly and in walks Prince Zuko, regal as ever.

Nyla practically swallows her tongue, wondering if he had heard what Katara said. She bolts up from her chair, bowing to the Prince and he waves it off with a small smile.

"Prince Zuko," Katara hears his name pass through the Madam's lips and she swirls around in her chair. Eyes wide and she too abruptly stands to bow to him as well.

"Your Majesty," she mutters softly as she bows at a ninety degree angle.

Zuko chuckles, his fingers coming to cradle the underside of her chin, he lifts her up, "There is no need to bow, either of you."

Katara nods, "What brings you here Prince Zuko?" Nyla asks before Katara has the chance to.

"I went to the library for our lessons," he gestures toward Katara, "but Lady Katara wasn't there," her hand shoots over her mouth. She had completely forgot!

"I am so sorry!" she tries to bow but is stopped by the look in his eye.

"Apologies Prince Zuko, I ended up keeping her too long. We were just going over a few minor details before her performance tomorrow night."

Prince Zuko looks at her quizzically, "Performance? I thought she couldn't perform due to her injury," he slowly turns to look at Katara.

She tilts her head down, her face heating up, "I am feeling much better, your majesty," she looks up at him and noticed his eyes widen a fraction as he takes in her blush, "I wanted to perform for you," she says softly, but gets flustered when she realizes what she said, "for y-you and the court officials!"

It's him who now looks flustered, he coughs briefly, "So long as your are well enough to do so, I'm sure the court would be pleased to see you dance," he averts his gaze to look back at the Madam, "I should be going."

"What about our lessons?" Katara asks and he turns to look at her.

"You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. Take this time to relax Lady Katara. We will resume our lessons after tomorrow," and with that he leaves.

Katara sighs, she is slightly upset that she won't see him until tomorrow evening now, but it isn't the end of the world. She still has much to do in the way of getting ready for tomorrow. Perhaps relaxing for the rest of the day isn't such a terrible idea after all.

"You don't think he heard you, do you?" Nyla whispers across to her, not quite sure if the Prince is still within hearing distance.

Shaking her head, Katara breathes out softly, "I don't think so."

Nyla let out a shaky breath, "Come, let's go to Mushi and make sure your dress is finished."

Katara agrees and follows Nyla in silence.

Once they arrive, Katara is stunned at what she sees. To the left, on a mannequin is the outfit for Song's performance in all its glory and to the right is hers.

Mushi sees Katara's face and smiles as he flares out the skirt, "Do you like it?"

"Like it? Mushi, it is beautiful!" Katara exclaims as she comes up to the dress. Her fingers itch to touch it, but she is too afraid to.

"I was going more for 'Breathtaking!' not beautiful," he jokes and Katara laughs.

Her fingers run along the skirt and the feel is so luxurious. Her eyes catch on the top and she loves the way it is reflecting light.

"So," Mushi begins, "this was something a bit different," he gestures to the top, "a vermillion silk bralette with red and gold diamonds sewn into the fabric," the diamonds covered every inch of fabric both front and back.

"These diamonds are extremely rare," Katara gapes at that, preparing to ask why he used them on her dress and Mushi simply smiles, "much like you, it was only fitting," Katara smiles affectionately at him, "also, the way they glisten in the fire light," he kisses his fingers, "exquisite!"

Nyla rolls her eyes, but she smiles none the less, "The skirt is a layered 13 panel vermillion chiffon and silk skirt, with downward ruffles to give it a flow like feel. There are two front slits that go up to your upper thighs. Along the waist I have sewn these small gold disks and thigh length tassels where the hip skirt would normally go."

Some of the roped tassels have golden beads and coins on them, going down three quarts of the tassel length. Other tassels are roped and plain. She runs her fingers across them and they make a jingle noise as she does so. They will definitely make noise when she moves.

Katara nods, taking in the erotic beauty of the dress, "I felt vermillion red would compliment your skin tone very well."

She blushes at that, her fingers pulling at one of the roped tassels, "This is truly amazing, thank you so much," she bows quickly to him and he smiles.

"Now! For the jewelry!"

He leads them over to one of the counters in the room and pulls out a few intricately designed pieces.

"These are bangles," he holds up a decent number of bracelets, "they will fit up on your forearms," he shrugs, "to go with the sequencing on the bralette and skirt."

Katara looks back at the skirt and sure enough, there a diamonds sewn into it. She didn't notice before and her heart starts to thrum wildly in her chest. Why was he making her outfit so beautiful?

As she looks back at the bangles, she notices that some are solid red and gold, but most of them have gold and red diamonds decorating them and she cannot help but be awestruck by their beauty.

"These anklets I feel pair very well with the over all outfit," he gestures to two anklets that are of simple design. A heavy gold chain forms the top, a medium size gold chain sets in the middle and a thinner gold chain forms the bottom with small red diamonds filling in the spacing in-between. Attached to the bottom chain are small golden bells.

"And last, but certainly not least the belly ring," Katara's eyes widen at that, she looks down to see a small slim gold rod with a fire lily set on a chain, designed to dangle, "the fire lily is made up of blood rubies and cabochon emeralds."

Katara is flustered, "I don't—""

"Lady Katara does not have a belly piercing Mushi," Nyla interjected and he looked mildly confused.

"Why then would Fire Lord Ozai instruct this piece be made for her?"

"Fire Lord Ozai had this piece made for Lady Katara?" Nyla asks with an alertness in her tone.

Katara turns to Nyla with worry, "Why would he ask for such a thing to be made?"

"To show his favor upon you," Mushi states, confused as to the intent behind said jewelry piece, "both Fire Lord Ozai and Prince Zuko had something made for you."

"What did Prince Zuko have commissioned?" Nyla asks.

Mushi pulls out a gold chain necklace that has a small circular coin. Carved into the gold is a side profile of a blooming lotus blossom. The border around the gold coin is made of up small lines and dots. At the bottom, is a small semi circle and attached to it is a tear drop shaped blue stone with a gold encasing. It was simplistic and so very beautiful. Katara reaches out to examine the blue stone.

"He said that the aquamarine gemstone reminded him of your eyes and thought having something that reminded you of the ocean would be pleasing and hopefully bring you comfort," Mushi states as he puts the necklace back where it belongs.

Katara is touched by the Prince's commission, "It is beautiful," she whispers and Mushi nods.

After going over a few miscellaneous things, Mushi allows Katara and the Madam to take the outfit and jewelry back with them for the final practice run of her dance.

"You look absolutely stunning!" Jin exclaims when Katara puts on her full ensemble.

Katara smirks, hands on her hips, "I was going for breathtaking," and Jin laughs.

"I'm sure every man will find you breathtaking, especially in this outfit," she circles Katara and applauds Mushi's handiwork, "red really does suit you."

Katara gives her a playful shove before she begins her practice. The Madam had called in the musicians for her final run through and by the time she is finishes, her body is glistening with sweat. The dress moves and flows with her every twist and turn of her body, reminding her of her element and it suddenly makes her yearn for her bending. The anklets and small jewelry decorated tassels clanked and jingled as she moved and she found it to be quite fun listening to her rhythm play through the small items.

"What did you think?" Katara asks Jin as she pats down her face with a towel.

Jin sat there eyes wide, as if awestruck by Katara, "It was amazing before. But the dress and the jewelry just set the whole tone," she stands up and walks to Katara, "you are a seductress in this get up!"

Katara laughs as Jin pulls her in close and makes kissing noises, she tries pulling away from the Earth Kingdom girl but she is strong.

Suddenly the sound of someone clearing their throat catches their attention and they turn to see Song there, arms crossed over her chest.

"Are you finished with the rehearsal room?" she asks curtly and Katara and Jin both nod quickly.

She sighs as she pushes herself off the doorframe, "You don't mind if I take it over then?"

Katara shakes her head, "No, of course not."

Song surveys Katara's body. Not hiding that she is sizing her up. Katara gathers her things along with Jin and they both bow to Song as they brush past her.

"He isn't going to choose you," Song says confidently, turning to Katara, "he doesn't need you. Not when he has me."

Katara stills, looking over her shoulder, "I will go to whomever chooses me."

"It won't be Zuko," Song sneers.

Katara spins on her heel, "Prince Zuko," she corrects Song.

"Ah," Song tilts her head, "he hasn't given you permission to drop his title?" she chuckles into her hand, "It appears I worried for nothing," she gives Katara a wink before turning on her heel and walking further into the rehearsal room.

Both Jin and Katara exit, hearing Song clap loudly, "Alright ladies! I want one run through without any issues!"

"She has some nerve!" Jin scuffed as she and Katara flopped down on Katara's bed.

Katara lay there starring up at her ceiling, "She's right, Prince Zuko will never choose me."

Jin sits up, giving Katara a serious look, "Why wouldn't he choose you?"

Katara sighs, sitting up to face Jin, "I'm nothing like her. She is adorable and small and delicate and I'm me."

Jin gives her a look as she crosses her arms, "You know you just described a child."

Katara laughs at Jin's comments and she swears at her, "What Prince Zuko needs is a woman and you are exactly that. She is insecure because you bring something to the table that she doesn't."

"What's that?" Katara asks with a little sass.

Jin claps her heads together and then points at Katara, "That right there. A challenge with a dash of sass!"

Katara laughs, pushing Jin, "You are a threat and she knows it. If she wasn't so insecure about her relations with Prince Zuko, she wouldn't have felt the need to say anything to you."

Katara nods, "You're right," Jin shrugs, "you're absolutely right!"

"Who is gonna leave every man breathless and every woman envious?" Jin asks.

Pointing to herself, Katara confidently answers, "This girl right here!"

Their night ends in fits of giggles and gossip and Katara could not be more thankful for Jin. She had told her about the tradition that takes place on a woman's first night with male royalty and Jin had mixed emotions about it. On one hand she said that sharing a bed with Prince Zuko wouldn't be so terrible, but the thought of sharing one with his father…she shuddered at the thought. She told Katara that she had to win Prince Zuko's favor no matter the cost and Katara couldn't have agreed with her more.

---

The next day was pure chaos. Harem girls were rampant everywhere. The day had been nothing but a flurry of motion. Everyone clamoring to get their hair and makeup done, all in the hopes of catching the eye of the two Royal males. Katara was shocked at how excitedly most of the women were about this evening and she decided to get ready in Jin's room, to avoid the chaos. The Madam sent a hair stylist and makeup artist to Jin's rooms to help her prepare while Jin went to collect one last accessory for Katara's outfit.

"We have less than one hour ladies!" The madam's voice booms throughout the harem, "Finish up on your final touch ups!" her hands clap, echoing and reverberating through each chamber. The harem is filled with laughing and excited chatter. Women strolling around nude and some hurrying to fit into their robes. Katara is hidden in Jin's small chamber staring down her reflection in the mirror. During practice yesterday she didn't have the time to ogle herself but today, with everything done, she felt truly exotic.

Jin walks in and gasps as she sees Katara's reflection, "Oma and Shu! I dare say," Jin comes up behind her, "you look breathtaking."

Katara turns to her and sees a small red speckled white lotus blossom in her hand, "Is that for me?"

Jin nods, "To finish the look."

Jin pokes a hair pin through the base of the flower. She pulls Katara's curly locks up on the right side of her face and pins the flower into her hair right at the junction of her temple and forehead.

"There," she pulls back, "perfect."

Katara's makeup is natural, with coal eyeliner winged out just a fraction, curled eyelashes and vermillion red stain on her lips. She pinched her cheeks to give herself a natural pink dusting.

"Katara dear?" the Madam calls out to her and Katara emerges from Jin's room.

The Madam is taken back by how different she looks and she cannot help but smile and offers her hands to Katara, which she takes in earnest.

"I think my heart just fluttered," Madam Min says amidst the chaos around them, "the whole court will be hungry for your attention."

Katara smiles, "I only care about one person tonight."

Madam Min nods her head, giving Katara's hands a squeeze, "Remember what I said," she pulls her in close, "I will come to you after your performance to tell you what decision has been made. From there, I will help you get through the night."

Katara nods, taking a deep calming breath, "Now come! We mustn't be late!"

"Jin!" Katara yells for her friend.

She pops out of her room, hurriedly throwing her sandals on, "I'm coming!" she tosses a cloak to Katara, which she promptly puts on. She didn't want any eyes on her until the moment of her performance.

They are led through the palace and out into a massive courtyard. A large rectangular section made of alabaster with red trim work and an elongated rectangular pool sit in the middle of this open court yard. The west end of the pool opens up to a man made channel of water where a small dock sits. There are cherry blossom trees and honeysuckle bushes decorating the exterior of the courtyard. Amongst the area are small seated tables with cushions and pillows surrounding them. Rice wine kettles and other types of liquor litter the small tables and everyone is drinking and chatting amongst themselves. Everyone that is in attendance is dressed for a court session, regal and proper and Katara hugs her cloak a little tighter.

She can see at the eastern end of the massive court yard were three large cushioned pillows, decorated with elaborate embroidery. No doubt for Fire Lord Ozai and his children. Those who were not performing were seated closest to the royal family. Katara's heart was pounding in her chest. She wondered if she'd be able to perform well enough catch the Prince's eye.

The sun was beginning to set and the girls that were Song's backup dancers began to line up on the eastern side of the courtyard, closest to the small walkway from the dockside. They left a small opening between where the walkway reached the courtyard and in their hands each one held a small instrument with gold designs painted onto the wood.

"They are called mandolin's," Jin whispers to Katara, "they sound beautiful," she could tell that she had never seen one before, "of course Song knows how to dance and play one at the same time," she scuffs and she and Katara share a chuckle.

As Song's performance was about to begin, everyone abruptly stands at the entrance of the royal family. They are all dressed in their sleek ceremonial armor, with their decorative crowns in their topknots. The Fire Lord seated himself first in the center, followed by Prince Zuko to his right and Princess Azula to his left. Katara's breath hitches when the Prince finds her in the crowd of harem girls and they maintain eye contact for a few moments.

A servant carrying a tray garners his attention, offering him a drink which he graciously accepts.

"Are you looking forward to your woman's performance Prince Zuko?" the Fire Lord asks, his voice echoing in the courtyard.

The prince nods his head, taking a sip of wine, "I am looking forward to the evenings performances," his eyes finds Katara's and she turns away, pretending to speak to Jin, but secretively hiding her blush.

A man quickly runs out into the courtyard, placing a small golden guilted stool in front of the pool before he quickly scurries off.

[PLAY: DEEWANI MASTANI]

With a wave of the Fire Lord's hand, the musicians begin to start. They follow the lead chanter as he begins. The drums sound and everyone's focus turns to the dancers at the other end of the courtyard. They positioned themselves to face the walkway where Katara assumes Song will appear. Katara notices that the dancers are wearing the exact same outfit as Song, but not as elaborate. Their hair is braided, covered by a sheer veil. Their jewelry matches Song's, but in a far more simplistic way and not as intricate. It is apparent that she wants all eyes on her.

As Katara is surveying the current situation, a small boat carrying Song appears at the dock. She disembarks and begins the long trek up the walkway into the courtyard. As she passes through the dancers, she maintains firm eye contact with Prince Zuko. Katara's eyes shift to him and she can see how tender his smile is for her and Katara's heart sinks. She turns back to see Song taking her seat on the stool while the other dancers form behind her in a line.

A sweet melody begins to play from her fingers, followed by the sound of small drums and woodwind instruments. As the dancers sway behind her, playing their own mandolins, their anklets chime, following the beating drums. She sweeps her leg out, leaning her body back and Katara can feel her chest tightening as Song begins to sing. Her voice is like sweet honey and she cannot help but feel drawn into her performance. She brings her right hand up, greeting Prince Zuko and he slightly bows his head in response. The smile that graces Song's lips radiates so many emotions that Katara has to avert her gaze. She remains seated for a few more moments before she swiftly stands, the dancers fall into a kneeling position behind her. She begins to move toward the royals with the dancers coming up behind her in the shape of a triangle. They stop a few yards away and she begins to dance and they mimic her moves. The drums pick up their tempo and she cannot help but flash a seductive smile at Prince Zuko. For the first time during her performance he looks away in embarrassment.

Katara is panicking at the thought of not being able to win over Prince Zuko's affection. Her mind is racing as to what she must do to get him to choose her this evening.

Song kicks either leg up in a sweeping fashion before spinning. All the while getting closer and closer to Prince Zuko. He sits mesmerized by her.

Soon she is upon him and the other dancers stay back as she comes and kneels before him, hand cupping his face gingerly. He pulls her hand away slowly and Katara can feel the her chances of succeeding slipping away as his eyes follow her back into the crowd of dancers. The dancers move outward creating a large circle around her, facing away from her and at the guests. She twirls about before posing a few times while playing her mandolin. The dancers move inward and pass her, one of them taking her mandolin from her. As she begins with the rest of her movements, Katara catches Song glance over at her in one of her turns before smirking at Katara's otherwise flush features.

Her fists ball up as she continues to watch Prince Zuko's lover parade around demanding all eyes on her.

"Your performance is much better," Jin whispers in her ear and Katara flashes her a frown, not truly believing her words at the moment.

"Come, we should get you ready," Jin stands slowly, offering Katara her hand, which she takes it without complaint.

As they quickly exit the courtyard, Katara fails to notice Prince Zuko's eyes following her and not Song.

The Fire Lord notes that his son's attention is not on his harem girl, but instead following after the Water Tribe girl.

"Perhaps you should see what she is up to my son," he states watching as Zuko's eyes shift to him momentarily.

He nods before getting up to follow Katara. Song is morbidly confused when she sees the Prince get up from his seat and leave the courtyard. She does not however fail to miss the vicious smirk on the Fire Lord's lips as he watches her with a carnal glint in his eye. Her eyes search around and she notices that Katara is missing as well. Rage fills her as she continues to move through her song, but she masks it well behind her smiles and painted face.

He finds them behind a honeysuckle bush and approaches slowly as to not startle them.

"Lady Katara?" Prince Zuko calls out as he sees her back to him, a cloak hiding her body. A woman before her seems to be applying something to her front and due to Song's musicians being so loud, Katara cannot hear him.

Jin spots him before she hears him and she bows to him, "Your majesty?" she says in a questioning tone.

Katara secures the cloak around herself and turns to see him, almost surprised, "What are you doing here?" she asks softly.

Zuko clears his throat, "The Fire Lord asked that I check on you both."

"We are just finishing up a few touches for her performance," Jin offers and Zuko nods, his eyes never leaving Katara.

He takes a deep breath, clapping his hands together, "Very well. I'll take my leave," he begins to walk away but not before saying, "good luck out there."

Katara offers him a small smile followed by her thanks and she watches as he disappears.

Song's performance is coming to a close soon, the dancers begin to move about her in a flurry of motions and Prince Zuko takes his seat in time to see the last portion of Song's dance.

"She is preparing for her performance," Prince Zuko leans over to whisper to his father.

Ozai nods, smirking at the thought of the Water Tribe girl. Though his eyes wander back to Song.

She is currently moving about in a flurry of twirls as the other dancers come to form a fire lily shape around her. They push out from her once more as she makes a final turn and sinks to the floor.

The crowd applauds Song, as do the royal family and she bows to them all. Her chest moving up and down rapidly, her eyes searching Zuko's. He offers her an apologetic smile and a nod of his head as he continues to clap for her. She returns the gesture in kind.

"Are you ready?" The Madam asks her and Katara nods, removing her cloak from her body.

The sun has set and the court yard is shrouded in darkness, save for the small braziers lit along the outer perimeter and the small candles surrounding the pool.

"When the flames die out, I'll escort you to your starting place," the Madam states and Katara smiles at her in understanding.

When the signal is given, the flames go out and suddenly the courtyard is filled with whispers and soft gasps. Katara's heart is pounding in her chest as she feels the Madam's hands leave her.

She feels a breath tickle her ear, "Good luck," accompanied by a small pat on her shoulder.

Katara takes a deep breath trying to compose herself. She quickly gets into a confident stance, all the while silently praying to any spirits listening to help her get through the performance.

[PLAY SONG: O SAKI SAKI]

Suddenly the music begins and with each beat of the drums, the candles and braziers are simultaneously lit.

With a sultry aura she twirls one of her skirt tassels and begins to strut down the court yard. Her body glistens as the firelight reflects against her oil slicked flesh. Unfazed by the water, she steps into the shallow pool.

The female singer's voice cuts through the music, it is distinct and her accent is thick. She draws the crowd in. Katara smirks as she twists and sways her hips, her moves sharp and precise, yet fluid like water.

As she moves further down the shallow pool she turns, flipping her hair before dropping to the floor. With a push of her legs she propels her body back. The crowd cheers for her as she scissor kicks her legs into the air and flips her body over to fall into a split. Water splashing everywhere. With grace she pulls her body upward and waves her arm, swaying her hips and gliding forward. She spins around and gyrates her hips seductively. Men whistle and cheer and she can feel the envious eyes of every woman on her.

She drops into a backbend, one hand running down her body from torso to waist before she propels her upper body forward to clap with the beat of the drums. She does this two times and the entire crowd claps with her.

Quickly she kicks her foot forward, stepping out of the pool and continues to twirl about. She comes up to the small stairs that separate her from Prince Zuko and she can see his eyes are narrowed and his jaw is tight as he watches her. A small smirk plays on her painted lips and she watches as he tenses up as she sashays his way. His hands are fisted at his knees and his back straightens as she comes up behind him.

With all the courage she can muster, Katara loops her right leg over his shoulder. His head snaps to the side and can see her scar from the shears on display. He swallows thickly as he feels a hand run down the left side of his torso. She presses into his backside and dares to look at Song, smiling devilishly at her when she feels Prince Zuko's hand on her ankle.

Pulling back swiftly she hooks her foot around his neck so she can slide down his left side and land in his lap. Her right leg still hooked over his left shoulder. His eyes widen in shock and she feels like she has him right where she wants him. Pulling herself up, she presses into him and her breath shudders when she feels his hand on her thigh. They are so close that she ghosts her lips over his before pulling away and arching herself backwards. His other hand instinctively grabs at her waist, to keep her from falling but she pushes it away and propels her right leg back towards her, successfully flipping over. She lands at the base of the stairs, her eyes never leaving Prince Zuko's. The crowd cheers and she cannot help but feel fire coursing through her veins at the sight of him.

With a twist of her feet she pulls her body up and once more falls into a backbend, this time facing Prince Zuko. She brings her upper body forward and claps her hands together with the beat of the drums.

Ozai glares pointedly at his son and Prince Zuko can feel his eyes on him. Slowly he angles his head to look at his father, bowing his head in acknowledgement before turning back to the performing seductress. Katara finishes by pulling herself up and turning to face the crowd. She falls to the floor, one leg bent and both arms stretched out. Her head tilts back so she can look at the Prince Zuko, but also so her body can be in full view. Her chest rises and falls heavily from her exhilarating dance and she cannot help but feel that familiar heat in the pit of her stomach as the Prince's darkening gaze holds her own.

Suddenly the flames in the courtyard die and she hears the rush of footsteps approaching her.

"That was amazing!" Jin whispers in her ear and before Katara can register anything, they are barreling into the palace with the rest of the harem girls behind them.

Jin quickly whisks Katara away to her chamber and closes the silk curtains.

"That was brilliant!" she howls in a whispered voice, "He couldn't take his eyes off of you!"

Katara is blushing and tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear, "Do you think he liked it?"

Jin gapes at her, "Spirits Katara, I don't even like women and I wanted to ravage you!"

Katara laughs at Jin's compliment, "Your confidence in my performance is greatly appreciated. I just hope it was enough."

---

When what seems like ages pass by, finally the Madam comes to her. When Katara sees her, the Madam looks morbidly worried.

"What is it? What happened? Did the Prince—"

The Madam cuts her off, "No, Zuko did not select you—"

"What?" Katara gasps, falling down to sit on the floor.

"He didn't get the opportunity to say anything! The Fire Lord challenged him to an Agni Kai for the right to claim you!"

Katara is stunned into silence, her heart beating wildly in her chest.

"Whoever gains victory in this Agni Kai will claim you as theirs tonight," Madam Min says in a hushed tone.

"But—"

The look Madam Min gives her is cold, effectively silencing her, "I told you, there are some rules even I cannot change. This being one of them. I warned you there would be consequences pinning the Fire Lord against the Prince. Pray that Zuko has the courage to fight his father."

"Why wouldn't he?" Katara asks, fearful of the answer.

"He didn't the last time."

Before the Madam leaves her with parting she tells her to dress in only her robe, for that is all that she will need for the evening. After Katara is prepared she is then led by the Madam to a chamber outside the harem and Katara wonders who the chamber belongs to. Fire Lord Ozai or Prince Zuko?

As they walk further into the chamber there is a decent size bathing pool, half the size in the harem and Katara releases a deep breath once the doors finally close. Adjacent is a large crimson bed with sheer silk curtains around it. She can see a balcony off to her right and she wonders if it is too late to jump from it.

"Here," the Madam pulls out a small pouch hidden in her sleeve, "this will help you get through the night."

Katara takes the pouch and opens it for further inspection, "These are lavender bath salts," the Madam begins, "with crushed ilang ilang and cnidium," Katara looks up at her confused, "they are aphrodisiacs. They will help you get…comfortable."

Katara closes the pouch and throws it to the ground, "They will make me comply!"

Madam Min grabs her by her forearms and pulls her close, "It is the only way I can protect you. If you try to fight—"

Katara rips herself away, not allowing the madam to finish. She knows that if she struggles against the Fire Lord, he would force himself on her. She understands why the Madam is giving her this pouch but she doesn't want to accept it.

Madam Min picks the pouch up and places it in Katara's hands, "It will ease your suffering, should you choose to use it," and pulls away, "no one will look at you differently for using it. We all have at one point or another."

Katara glances down at the pouch and then back at the Madam, "It is potent in the water, but also more potent when burned. The lavender will hide the scent of the ilang ilang and cnidium," she pulls out another pouch and hands it to Katara.

With that the Madam heads to the doors, opening them to see Prince Zuko walking past the chamber, his hand gripping at his side. Blood seeps from the corner of his left lip, his uniform is charred in several places and her heart crumbles. She turns back to see Katara eyeing the pouch and tears fill her eyes. Katara seems to register that she is still in the room and looks up to notice the shift in Madam Min's face. Her eyes widening in horror.

"I'm so sorry Katara," she gasps out before she forces herself from the chamber, the doors slamming behind her. The Madam falls against the wall, sobs wracking her body as she comes to understand what awaits the young Water Tribe Princess.

Katara takes a shaky breath, turning her gaze to the fire lit braziers around the room. She pulls open both pouches and notices one is ground up powder and the other is full of chunks of leaves, lavender pedals and what appear to be bits of seeds. With a heavy heart she sprinkles the powder into the pool and then takes a small amount of the aphrodisiac pieces and tosses them into the fires until she runs completely out.

She sits there for a moment, waiting for the aphrodisiacs to take affect and the Madam was right. The only scent she can smell was the lavender. Her body starts to tingle and she begins to feel slick between her legs. Embarrassed that her body is responding to the Madam's gift, Katara sheds herself of her robe and sinks into the pool, keeping her back to the entrance.

The water is warm and inviting and it only loosens her up and eases her aching muscles. She can hear her heart pounding and feel her blood pulsating in her body. As she sits there in total silence she hears the doors to the chamber open and her breath hitches.

His footsteps fall softly against the marble floor and she can hear his breathing quicken at the sight of her bare back. She moves deeper into the pool until the water reaches just above her chest. She hears his robe fall to the floor and can feel the water churning as he wades into the pool towards her. Slowly he comes up behind her and a hand suddenly wraps around her throat, applying just enough pressure to get her attention. The other grips at her hip, pulling her into him. Her chest rises and falls as she feels lips graze her ear, his heavy breath echoing around her.

After what seems like an eternity he releases her throat, bringing his hand up to cup her jaw, pulling her face to the side.

"I couldn't let him have you," she nearly collapses at the sound of Zuko's rough voice and turns just in time for his lips to crash against hers.