A/N:
This is for yippityyipyip for they have given me the idea for this story. This one is gonna be sort of Long, just a heads up.
Summary: Captured from their home to be sold as slaves, the Fire Lord purchases the mother and daughter for his oldest son's household. Under the possession of the Crowned Prince, Kya becomes his concubine and her daughter becomes his nephew's playmate. As time goes on, Katara receives the unwarranted attention of the Fire Prince Ozai and is sexually assaulted regularly until he ascends the throne. Fearing for his tribal friend, Zuko takes a stand against his father and suffers grave consequences that lead to his banishment. Iroh and Katara are sent with him on a mission to find the Avatar. What will happen when they discover the Avatar? Will love blossom between two childhood friends or will they stand on opposing sides in a tragic war?
Part 1:
Shivering cold, Kya held her eight years-old daughter to her under the thin blanket they had to keep them warm. She had missed out on retrieving a second blanket from the corpse of a man that froze to death this morning as another captive managed to snag it first for her and her three kids. It was freezing cold and already twelve out of the hundred tribespeople rounded up had died on this voyage and Kya didn't want her and her daughter to be among them. When the ship's crew came down to one of the women upstairs to rape and abuse her, Kya hid her daughter under the blanket to prevent her from being next. She shielded her daughter from the horror of watching a woman scream not to be taken as she yanked away to the deck above where they were.
"Shhh, it's okay. I won't let them take you." Kya soothed her daughter.
Katara trembled as she clung to her mother, "I'm scared, mommy."
"Don't be. I'll always be here to protect you." Kya caressed her daughter's face and gave a hopeful smile.
Arriving in the Fire Nation, Kya and her daughter were fortunate to have their chains linked together. Some mothers were already separated from their children and she felt her heart lurch in her chest at the cries of the women and children. How she prayed to Tui and La they wouldn't separate her from her child. As they walked in a single file line in their shackles, Kya kept glancing back to make sure her daughter was still behind her. Even though they were shackled together, she worried the chain would somehow break and with it, her heart as her daughter was taken from her.
They were all walked to a slave yard where she saw many suited up soldiers and slaves from other places in the world. Some looked like Earth Kingdom and even Air Nomads. Kya could see the rumors were true. The Fire Nation had launched a war against the world and was capturing people to enslave. It meant nowhere was safe.
Rounded up by the Southern Raiders to the far end of the yard, the soldiers had someone who looked like a merchant take a look over them and scribble something on a board to hand to each of them. It was something different every time he wrote and Kya wondered if this was their price tag. Was he looking them over to assess how much they'd all cost?
When he reached her daughter and her, he smirked. "Are these two beauties?" The man said as he wrote out the same price for them both. "Bet even the Fire Lord himself would be willing to buy them."
Kya looked down at her daughter and saw they had the same characters on their board. If the man felt the Fire Lord would buy them, perhaps they were priced higher than the rest. What if someone only bought one of them and not the other due to how much they both cost together? Panic settled into Kya as she looked at her daughter with wide eyes.
"Mama?" Katara said as she noticed her mother's eyes were wide. "What's wrong?" She whispered.
Kya shook her head as she refused to frighten her daughter even more, "Nothing, sweetheart. Don't worry."
Katara nodded her head and put on a brave face as the soldiers led a few Fire Nation looking people to their group. The little girl watched as people were pulled out of line and coins were handed to the merchant. Some were children taken from their mothers and the screaming started all over again. Katara held her mother's hand tight as she watched children be torn from their mothers. She didn't want to be next. Fortunately, the day ended without either of them being bought and they were thrown in a cell with some bread and gruel to fill their bellies with. Kya and Katara ate silently in their cell while listening to some of the mothers and children cries echo through the hollow prison.
In the morning, Katara and Kya were left in their cell while everyone else was taken out to the yard to be bought. They were a little confused but grateful. At least they were together.
"Look here, you Water Tribe whores. The Fire Lord caught word that one of you is a waterbender and a pretty one at that. I managed to convince him to buy both of you since you're both so pricey. Be thankful you're not like the rest of the mother and child duos."
When the man left, Kya fell forward in a bow and thanked Tui and La that they allowed her to remain with her child at her side. "Praise Tui and La!" She cried.
"Mama, I'm scared of the Fire Lord. What's he going to do with us?"
Kya pulled her daughter into her arms and kissed her forehead. "Don't worry, Katara. We'll be together. That's all that matters. Whatever fate has instored for us, we'll face it together."
A servant from the palace had came with palace guards to road them both up. Before they were taken to leave the slave yard, Kya and her daughter were hosed and scrubbed clean before having to put on their uniform. They wore dark red sleeveless gowns that went down to their ankles and cuffed their necks. They were made to wear gold bands on their wrists and arms. Their hair was styled up into buns with a simple hair pin placed through it with the Fire Nation insignia on it. Both Kya and her eight years-old daughter was made to wear a thin band of black liner under their eyes.
When they were fixed up, the palace servant had the guard escort them to the carriage and they rode to the enormous palace at the top of the hill that this city circled up to. Reaching the palace, Kya got out of the carriage with the palace servant and was escorted along with her daughter inside.
"The Fire Lord has bought you for the purpose of serving his eldest son, Crown Prince Iroh. You will be joining his household of servants. You are both expected to do your jobs and do them well. Any missteps will result in harsh punishments. Despite your slave status, you all are still able to receive a salary of less than the average palace servants." They informed the two.
Inside the palace, Kya and Katara saw riches of the likes they had never seen before in their lives. It was incredible. Gold was in plenty and the floor was all marble. Kya saw many of the highborns sporting luxurious clothes with servants/slaves following behind them. The walls were a dark red like their clothes but it was also covered in gold laced tapestries. It was astonishing.
Brought out past a courtyard, Kya and Katara saw greenery everywhere as they were walked through the garden and taken to a large gate.
"It is Ikkaku, back with the Crown Prince's newest additions." The servant said.
The gate opened and they entered to see more greenery amongst other beautiful colors. Kya and her daughter were both surprised. As they were walked through the outdoor walkway, they reached a halt outside what would be their shared quarters on the back end of the domain of the crown prince.
"You will receive three meals a day and be allowed to roam the domain in your freetime. The Fire Prince expects you to be seen, not heard, and for you to be without reprimand. Keep up your appearance and hygiene as you do not want to be an eye or nose sore. Your duties for today are to sweep the walkways, mop it and water the flowers. I will be back later to inform you of when mealtime is ready."
With that, Ikkaku left and the two were pointed in the direction of the supply closet. The two went to it and sorted through the supplies they needed to sweep, mop, and water the floor. Kya told her daughter to water the flowers while she swept and mopped, not wanting her daughter to do too much in regards to their chores. There was a lot of walkway for them to clean and she didn't want to burn her daughter out before she was old enough to understand anything.
As Kya began sweeping near where Katara watered the flowers, keeping a close eye on her daughter, she heard voices and saw two Water Tribe slaves were also weeping nearby. She saw it was one man and woman. She decided to sweep a little louder to get their attention and sure enough, they looked over at her. The two lit up at the sight of her and waved to her, Kya waved back with a pleasant smile, happy to see some of their people here too.
"Hi," The woman whispered as she swept towards Kya. "I'm Malway."
"Kya." She replied in a whisper.
Mopping behind the woman, Malway. "I'm Haki. Malway's husband."
Kya nodded her head to him.
"Is that your daughter?" Malway continued speaking in a whisper.
Kya nodded and looked over at her daughter watering the plants, "Yes, her name is Katara. She's eight."
"Poor thing." Malway looked somberly at them. "Luckily, you two came together. My husband and I got lucky that way too."
"Lucky isn't the word I'd use but the Crown Prince is gracious. Truly. He's more laid back and relaxed than the other prince. Be sure to keep your head down around him."
Kya noted this.
"Are you married, Kya?" Malway asked.
Kya nodded, "We were separated from my husband and son during the raids in the South Pole."
"Ah," Malway said in a somber tone.
Looking around, "So, how long have you two been here?"
"A year. We're from the North Pole." Haki said. "We were on a fishing trip when the Fire Nation showed up. If only we had been behind the walls, we'd be home with our kids right now."
Kya looked at the couple with a sorrowful look as they both seemed hurt by this detail. "Well, hopefully something gives way for us all to return home."
Haki scoffed, "Don't get your hopes up. I heard they're doing this everywhere. Some of the slaves are from other places too."
Kya sighed at this. Had the Fire Nation truly gone after the world to conquer it? Would none of them see their loved ones and return home? Please Tui and La, deliver us from this fate!
Finishing their chores, Kya and her new acquaintances ate their dinner together with Katara. The four talked about their experiences so far. It was the last bit of comfort they had, meeting like this, it made them feel less alone. Maybe they would see others they knew and it wouldn't just be them.
Going to bed, Katara cuddled up beside her mother in bed and stared at the dim candle light in their tiny room.
"Mama, are we ever gonna see daddy and Sokka again?" Katara asked her mother.
Kya looked at her daughter somberly and nodded, "Someday. Until then, we just have to be strong and they'll be here to take us back home."
From that day on, the two would go on to do their chores without fail. Even while sick and tired, the two worked hard to see the day when they'd be able to see their family and home again. Katara was braver than Kya had ever imagined. Her daughter took everyday with great strides and kept an upbeat, motivating her to do the same. Haki and Malway were also holding onto hope of the day that would come when they'd be free again.
One day, Kya was sweeping the walkway with her daughter a year later when Katara accidentally bumped into a serving staff that was following behind the Crown Prince. It caused hot tea to spill on the Crown Prince. Kya's eyes widened and she hurried to bow along with her daughter to apologize. However, the Fire Nation servant was pissed and wanted the Fire Prince to punish them both.
"Please," Kya pushed her daughter behind her. "I'll take her punishment."
Iroh stroked his beard and tilted his head at the tribeswoman, "Punishment? She's only a child. There's no need for a punishment."
Kya looked up at the Fire Prince, "Thank you, your highness!" She bowed her head even lower.
Chuckling, "No need. I've seen you and your daughter work hard all the time you've both been here. I'm pleased. Continue your good work."
"Yes, your highness." Kya said as the Crown Prince walked off with the servant.
Kya turned to her daughter and looked at her with an anger she didn't know she had. "Don't do that again, Katara!"
"It was an accident." Katara insisted as she cowered from her mother.
"We have no room for accidents here, Katara! No room! We were lucky the Fire Prince is as gracious as they said he was or we'd both be getting flogged!" Kya tried drilling into her daughter's head. "Do you understand?!"
"Yes, mama."
"Good. Now, go ask Head Servant Ikkaku what you can do to make it up to the Crown Prince." Kya told her.
Katara nodded and ran off to go find Ikkaku.
Malway sighed and went to Kya's side. "You needn't be so hard on her. She's just a child."
"She stop being a child when we came here. She's a slave like the rest of us. If I go easy on her, she'll slack and we can't afford that." Kya stated.
Malway nodded, understanding the mother was just worried about the future survivability of her and her daughter. It must have been incredibly frightening to have a child of yours here. She felt for the woman.
Katara was instructed to bring a pitcher of water to the Fire Prince. She hurried to deliver the water to the Fire Prince and when she got there, he smiled at her and offered her some tea. Shaking her head and politely declining, Katara told him she only drank her mother's tea to which peaked the Fire Prince's curiosity. He told her to let her mother know to make him tea to make up for the mishap earlier. Katara nodded and rushed to her mother's side, who was mopping the walkway.
"Prince Iroh wants you to make tea for him. He said it'll make up for the mishap." Katara told her mother.
Kya nodded and went to the kitchen, telling her daughter to finish mopping. Katara watched her mother leave and then return, heading towards the Fire Prince's quarters to serve him the tea.
In the Fire Prince's quarters, Kya saw the prince sitting at his desk, writing with his quill. She cautiously made her way to him with a tray of tea and sweets she made for him.
"Ah, there you are." Iroh smiled delightfully at her. "Come, your daughter denied my tea, saying only yours would she drink. I wish to know what that child is talking about."
Kya sat the tray down and prepared to serve him a cup, "Please, your highness, forgive my daughter. I'm still teaching her much but I promise this will never happen again."
Iroh took the cup from the tribeswoman's hands and blew on it before sipping it. His eyes widened and looked to the woman.
Kya bowed apologetically, "Forgive me, your highness. I didn't mean to offend you with my tea."
"Tell me, what is your name?" Iroh asked.
Looking up carefully, "Kya, your highness."
"Kya. How did you prepare this tea, Kya?"
Swallowing hard, "Like one would typically prepare tea. Only I use just the right amount of honey and squirt of lemon. A few sprinkles of mint leaves too."
"This is the best tea I've had in all my life." Iroh told the beautiful tribeswoman.
"Thank you, your highness." Kya replied.
"I want to have this tea brewed daily." Iroh said as he took a bite out of the snack she made with the tea and was shocked that it paired so well with the tea. "By Agni, you are heaven sent. I must have you at my side as my tea maid."
Kya's blue eyes widened at this.
Iroh grinned at her, "What do you say, Kya? Will you be my tea maid?"
Kya eagerly nodded her head.
"Excellent. I'll have your room moved a little closer to mine so that you can hear the bell ring for the tea to be brought to me." Iroh smiled at her. "That and your allowance will increase."
Finding her daughter eating with Haki and Malway, Kya joined them and told them the news. They were all ecstatic for her. A promotion was something not many slave had the opportunity to gain but Kya had manage to impress the Fire Prince with her tea making skills.
The following weeks were filled with much ease and delight for Kya and her daughter. Apparently, all she had to do was make tea and wait on the Fire Prince while he finished the pot. She still made her daughter tend to chores as she didn't want to get too laxed in their new position. But, it was nice having some down time for once.
One day, the crown prince had guests over and it included his brother and nephew. Kya served them all tea and while serving tea to the three Fire Nation royals, Iroh looked at the woman and smiled.
"Kya, have your daughter come by and meet my nephew. He's in dier name of a friend and is struggling to make one. Think your daughter would be up for the task of being his companion?" Iroh asked her.
"Of course, your highness. I'll have her come greet the young prince right away."
"Thank you, Kya."
As the woman went off to gather her daughter, Iroh saw his nephew pout and his brother smack the back of his head.
"Don't be such a sourpuss, Zuko." Ozai spat. "If the girl looks anything like her mother, maybe you'll like her."
Iroh chuckled, "she is a sweet little girl, Zuko. Just two years younger than you. Be nice to her as she has no friends either."
Kya returned with her daughter and the two bowed to the three royals.
"Your highnesses." Kya said.
"Your highnesses." Katara said in her little nine year old voice.
As the two lifted from their bow, Zuko's eyes widened at the little girl that was to be his playmate and saw his father smirk at him, shoving him to the little girl.
"Say 'hello', Zuko." Ozai told his son.
"H-hello." Zuko awkwardly waved his hand at her.
Katara curtsied, "Your highness."
"Uh…ummm…Just call me Zuko."
"As you wish, your highness, Zuko." Katara curtsied again.
Iroh and his brother chuckled at this.
"Zuko, take the girl out to the garden where your sister and her friends are." Ozai told his son.
Zuko nodded and took Katara by the wrist to tug her along with him.
Kya watched her daughter look to her in slight fear as she was pulled away.
"Do not worry, Kya. Zuko is a sweet boy."
"Too sweet." Ozai grumbled.
Kya was not worried about the boy being the issue. She worried about her daughter.
"How about you bring us some more tea, will you?" Ozai order the slave.
Kya bowed and hurried off to make more.
Iroh gave him a look and sipped his tea, "Don't freely order my tea maid around, Ozai."
Scoffing, "You think I haven't noticed, brother, but I saw the way you were looking at that woman. You like her."
Iroh blushed and averted his eyes, "Kya is a beautiful woman. Hard not to look."
Smirking, "Then make a move." Ozai told him. "There's no rule that you can't make her a concubine."
Iroh didn't know. He thought about it but he wasn't so sure Kya would like that. She had a daughter so he assumed she had been married before. He didn't know what became of the man but he was sure it would not sit well with her to be with a man like himself. However, Iroh had been plagued by the thought of the woman as of late and he couldn't get his mind off of her. She was a tea lover like himself and he had spoken with her plenty these last few weeks he's had her as his tea maid. Maybe his brother was right. Maybe he should make her his concubine.
"I'll speak with her and-"
"Speak with her?!" Ozai looked at him like he was out of his mind. "She's a slave! Just make her a concubine and she can say nothing to deny you."
Kya was on her way back with more tea when she overheard the two princes talking. Seemed the crowned prince was smitten with her and his brother wanted him to make her his concubine.
"I will not force a woman to be with me, brother. What good would that be? Besides, the woman has a child. What will that child think of her mother if I did that?"
"Who cares?! Just sell me the girl and I'll give her to my son. Agni knows that boy is going to need a concubine when he comes of age and that little girl is perfect for him." Ozai said.
Iroh stroked his beard, "Maybe you're onto something there, brother."
Kya almost dropped the tray of tea as she carried it out to the Fire Princes.
Zuko reached the gardens with the Water Tribe slave girl and sighed to himself just as he stopped by a pond full of turtle-ducks. He plopped down and patted the ground beside himself for her. Katara fixed her dress to sit on the ground beside the Fire Prince.
"So, what's your name?" Zuko asked her.
Katara looked at him with a blank expression. "My name is Katara, your highness, Zuko."
Chuckling, "You're weird." Zuko said.
"I'm weird, your highness, Zuko?" Katara asked. "How so?"
Snorting, "For one, you're too serious for a kid. And two, you keep saying 'your highness, Zuko'. Just call me, Zuko. I'm not really a prince anyway. My dad is the prince."
Katara nodded at this, "Zuko, it is."
Zuko smiled at Katara as he saw her suddenly take notice in the turtle-ducks and watched her eyes widen.
"What are these little thingies?!" Katara was blown away by how cute the little animals were.
Smiling at her, "These are turtle-ducks. They're the cutest animals here." Zuko told the Water Tribe girl.
"They're super cute! Can I touch em?"
Zuko picked one up and handed it to her, "Here, I named him Meelo."
"Aww!" Katara held the quacking turtle-duck up to her face and it nuzzled her.
Zuko blushed as he saw how pretty the Water Tribe girl was as she smiled and cuddled the turtle-duck to her face. He was so happy his uncle let him play with her. She was a little younger than him but one day they'd both get older and he hoped she'd stay his friend till then so maybe she'd think he was handsome too.
The two played nonstop for hours until Zuko's father showed up and told him to escort the water slave back to his uncle.
"Can't I keep her, dad?" Zuko asked, "She's perfect!"
Ozai smirked, "When you're older, you can ask your uncle, until then she has to go back to your uncle everyday."
Zuko slumped at this.
"But he'll allow you to play with her whenever."
"Yay!" Zuko cheered.
Katara had her wrist taken again and was pulled along by Zuko back to the Crown Prince's domain. There, she saw her mother and broke away from him to run to her mother, hugging her tight. Zuko tilted his head at this and wondered why she seemed so relieved to see her mother. Didn't she have fun with him?
"Well, I'll see you again tomorrow, Katara. Bye!" Zuko waved at her.
The Water Tribe girl waved back at him and smiled, "Bye, Zuko, see you tomorrow!"
….
Lately, Iroh had noticed that his nephew was stopping by everyday to see Kya's daughter, Katara. He'd often wait for her to do her chores before he'd take her and run off with her to the gardens. When he'd bring her back, the girl would look so tired after being with him all day on top of doing her chores. Eventually, the little girl got sick and Kya was deeply worried about the child. Iroh had the palace physician come check on Katara and found she was simply exhausted. He let his nephew know that Katara needed a week to rest in bed before he could play with her again.
"But who am I gonna play with?" Zuko asked in disappointment.
Iroh chuckled, "You can play with your sister and her friends."
Zuko cringed at this. "Can't I just come here to see Katara while she's in bed?"
Iroh shook his head.
"But-"
"No 'buts', nephew. Go run along. You can play with her in a week's time."
The eleven years-old pouted before skulking off in disappointment.
Iroh chuckled to himself as Kya came with another pot of her delicious tea and poured it for him.
"I heard your son is returning from deployment, your highness." Kya said. "Are you excited to see him?"
"Of course," Iroh beamed at Kya as she handed him his teacup. "He's my only child. How could I not be happy to see him?" He chuckled.
Kya fixed him a snack to go with his tea, "And his mother? Your wife? What happened to her, your highness?"
Iroh sighed, "She passed in childbirth. My sweet Sumi."
Kya could see the man had loved his late wife. That and that he had been without the company of a woman for sometime. She wondered if that was why he liked her so much. He was just a lonely old man.
"What of you, Kya?" Iroh asked. "Do you have a husband?"
Kya shrugged, "I don't know if I still have him. He and our son was split up from me and my daughter. They were further ahead when the raiders caught me and my daughter, dragged us to their ship in chains."
Iroh furrowed his brows in sorrow. "I'm sorry things turned out this way, Kya."
"It's fine." Kya said. "I am fortunate even in this circumstance that I was brought to you, your highness. I thank Tui and La every night that I am in your caring hands."
Iroh smiled at the woman, "By Agni, you are an amazing woman, Kya. If things were different…" His hand grazed hers as she handed him his snack for his tea, "I'd enjoy getting to know you outside our current roles as slave and master."
Kya nodded, "As would I, your highness."
Katara was able to return to her chores and being Zuko's playmate a few days later. She noticed her mother was having to stay out late doing chores past bedtime as she wouldn't return to their room till late and often came back with her clothes disheveled. It upset her to know her mother had to pick up her slack and the little girl got straight to work to prevent her mother from having to stay out late. However, her mother was still coming back late in the night and she didn't know why.
"Mama, where have you been?" Katara asked her mother.
Kya looked to her daughter with a look of shame on her face, "Nowhere, Katara. Just go back to sleep. I'm here now."
"Okay, mama."
The following day, Katara was playing kick the ball with Zuko in the Crown Prince's courtyard. Zuko had accidentally kicked the ball on the far end of the courtyard, over the fenced in patio where the Crown Prince enjoyed her afternoon tea. Katara decided to go get the ball and climbed the fence. As she dropped down on the other side, Katara found the ball and grabbed it. However; she heard her mother crying out and turned to see her mother on her back with the crown prince on top of her. She dropped the ball at the sight and took off running, quickly climbing the fence. She ran smack into Zuko and the two tumbled over.
"What's wrong, Katara? Why are you running? Did my uncle get mad?" Zuko asked.
Katara looked wide eyed at Zuko, "Your uncle was on top of my mom! He was doing something to her! I don't know what but she looked like she was in pain!"
Zuko furrowed his brows at this, "My uncle doesn't hurt people."
"Well, he's hurting my mom!"
"No, he's not!"
"He is too!"
"You're just a dumb slave! What do you know?!" Zuko yelled at her.
Katara stood still as she looked hurt at Zuko. "I'm not a slave. I'm a person."
"Not anymore! My dad says you slaves have to do whatever we tell you and if you don't, you'll get punished! Now, say my uncle isn't hurting your mom! He's a good person!" Zuko ordered.
Katara shook her head, "I know what I saw."
"If you don't say it, I'll tell the guards to flog you!" Zuko warned.
Katara refused and Zuko told on her.
Kya was fixing her dress back when a servant rushed in and went to the crown prince. She watched his eyes widen before looking at her and she feared what he had to say.
Rushing to her daughter's side as she lay unconscious in bed, Kya caressed her hair and buried her face in the little girl's chest as she cried. This was all her fault. Apparently, Katara claimed the Crown Prince was hurting her and Zuko demanded she say otherwise. She refused and was flogged for it. If only she hadn't allowed an affair to spark between her and the crown prince, maybe her daughter would not have witnessed the sight and thought she was being hurt.
"We treated her as best we could." Haki told Kya. "My wife is a water healer. She says the guard flogging her accidentally swung at her leg and broke it. She may have a limp the rest of her life."
Kya's eyes widened.
When Katara healed, she did indeed have a limp and it was bad. She had to use the walls and objects to help her steady herself. Eventually, the crown prince had the palace physician look her over and confirmed it was permanent. He had a small cane made for her so she could get around more easily but she barely used it as it was hard carrying out chores with it. Iroh told Kya that her daughter didn't have to work but Kya insisted that Katara would work nonetheless as neither of them wanted any problems. Iroh noticed Kya didn't react to his advances and he was forced to stop pursuing her as all her focus was back on her child.
"Sounds like my son ruined your fling." Ozai said as drank from his flask. "Damn buzzkill. It's a shame that girl is going to be crippled all her life. She was sure to be a beauty in the future."
Iroh sighed, "Kya won't even look at me. She barely speaks. Just a few weeks ago she and I were-"
"Just make her your concubine. Her and her daughter will be sitting much prettier than they are now. She'd practically be the lady of this place and her daughter wouldn't be so easily bullied for the terrible limp she'll have all her life. It's a win win Iroh." Ozai pushed.
As much as Iroh didn't want to have to force the woman to be his concubine, he knew his brother was right. There were benefits to such a status. It was above being a typical slave and it would allow her daughter to a more comfortable role under his domain. She wouldn't have chores to do and could receive formal education with his approval. Katara would be able to have a role that wasn't physically demanding. It was ideal.
"I guess, you're right, brother. I'll let Kya know of my decision." Iroh said.
"Excellent." Ozai patted Iroh's back. "I'll have Zuko swing me with an apology gift for that poor girl. A pity."
Kya wasn't surprised when the Crown Prince came to her with his decision to make her his concubine. He promised her she and her daughter would be well taken care of. Kya wasn't able to talk him out of it as he had servants move her into her new chambers and they were so much bigger than any room she had ever had of her own. Katara seemed happy from all of this as they both had dozens of different clothes to wear and their own servants. It was a major difference from how things were beforehand but Kya couldn't seem to be happy with any of this. Now, she had an obligation to sleep with the Crown Prince.
…..
"It's your fourteenth birthday, Katara. You should try making friends." Kya told her daughter while putting on makeup before Iroh showed up to take her out for the evening.
Katara was sitting on a floor cushion hugging the stuffed dragon that her mother and Iroh got her for last year's birthday. "I'm fine, mom. I don't really need any friends. I have you and the crown prince and Haki and Malway."
"All boring adults. You need friends your own age. What about Iroh's nephew, Zuko? I hear he's quite the young man and you two used to be best friends as kids."
Katara rolled her eyes, "That was until he made me a cripple."
"You're not a cripple, Katara. You just have a limp."
"A bad limp! People all poke fun at me! I'm okay being alone!"
Kya sighed, "You won't be when you're older."
Katara didn't care for what her mother was implying. Ever since her mother became a concubine, she started acting differently and Katara hated it. She acted like everything was fine and like they hadn't been torn away from their home. All Katara could dream of were star lit skies and the arctic tundra that wrapped her in a cold blanket of snow. She longed to return home but she hadn't been outside this palace since she was eight years old. It was miserable and truthfully, if she was going to spend all her days here, she prayed her life was a short one.
When Iroh showed up, he kissed Katara's forehead and wished her a happy birthday before going to her mother to take her hand. Funny, how they were going out on her birthday.
"We'll be back in time to have cake and blow out the candles." Kya told her daughter as she blew a kiss to her.
Katara rolled her eyes and lounged on the floor cushion. She didn't know what they expected her to do. It was her birthday but there were no chores or school work for her to do. Just sit here and stare at the walls.
A knock came at the door and Katara got up with the help of her cane, slowly making her way to the door to answer. Opening the door, Katara saw it was the Second Prince, Iroh's younger brother. She dropped her cane and fell into a bow as she knew he was a lot stricter than Iroh.
"Where's your mother and my brother, girl?" He asked in an impassive tone.
Forehead pressed to the floor, "They are out. Went into town."
Ozai raised a brow, "Then you'll have to do. Come, I need someone to play the erhu for me while I drink tea with my wife."
"As you wish, your highness."
Katara limped behind the second prince until she reached his domain and he led her to the patio where his wife was. She bowed to the woman and went to sit by where the erhu was and sat on the floor cushion. The Water Tribe girl had learned a few instruments as a part of her education and played pretty well, though not as good as her mother had been. Everyone would come to the Crown Prince's domain to see her mother play. She was naturally gifted for a woman her age to only just now have learned to play the instrument. Her mother also danced and sang, which gather more to praise her for her talents. Iroh gifted her many things for how amazing her mother was. Katara felt she would have been equally talented were her left leg not injured as it was and if she weren't so timid due to her lack of confidence.
As Katara played, she tried not to hear the criticism she heard from the second prince about her playing. She felt she was still pretty good at playing, just not as good as her mother.
"Play something else, will you? The song you're playing is better suited for a woman like your mother to play."
"As you wish, your highness." Katara replied and played a different tune, one that the second prince didn't have any criticism for.
Limping back to the Crown Prince's domain, Katara saw it was Zuko and his sister walking back from the training grounds. Oftentimes, she'd watch the two firebend against each other and it seemed so cool to be able to bend your element at will. Katara had been a waterbender all her life but never learned how to properly wield it. She could only play with it at her fingertips and it made her sad that there was no real connection between her and her element. Maybe if she ever left this place, she'd find home in the ocean and feel her element like she was supposed to.
"Oh, Agni, here comes the cripple." Azula groaned in annoyance. "Could she be anymore an eyesore?"
Zuko shot his sister a look, "She can't help it."
"I don't want to hear how guilty you feel about being the cause of her injury, Zuzu. You turned on your only friend and now look at her, cripple." Azula smirked. "I thought I was bad but clearly, you had me beat."
Katara limped on her way passed them and noticed Zuko looking her way. She avoided eye contact with him and continued onward. She didn't want to acknowledge him. Not when he was the cause of her life long injury.
Returning back to the domain, Katara saw Malway doing some late night mopping and went to help her.
"You don't have to do that, Katara. I've got it from here." Malway said.
Katara smiled, "I don't mind helping."
"You're such a sweet girl, Katara."
As the two mopped the rest of the walkway, Katara saw her mother had returned with Iroh and the two shared a kiss. She really didn't understand why her mother decided that being Iroh's concubine was a good thing. Sure, Iroh was a good man. The only truly kind Fire Nation person any of them had known. He was good to all of them, especially her and her mother. However, Katara what went on between a Concubine and their master. She learned in her educational classes what took place from the other students. Apparently, she was expected to also become a concubine. Many joking that even with a 'fucked up leg' she would be some royal's or noble's plaything. But Katara didn't want that. She had her dignity. Even if her mother had lost hers.
"How's Haki doing?" Katara asked Malway.
Sighing, "He's still ill. We're trying to save up enough to buy medicine for him but with it just being me working both our duties, I still can't make enough."
"How about I help?" Katara offered.
"No, I can't ask you to-"
"You can. I have nothing else to do." Katara told Malway. "I don't have lessons tomorrow. So I'll just help you as best I can. I'm sure Ikkaku won't mind me picking up chores."
Malway thanked the sweet girl before Katara headed off to her and her mother's chambers. There, she undressed for bed and got into a nightgown. But before the young tribes girl could climb into bed, her mother stopped her and looked her in the eyes.
"Iroh and I were talking and we think you should become an assistant to Zuko as he prepares for his official's certification exams." Kya said. "If you assist him, it could mean a great reward for you if he passes."
Furrowing her brows, "But being assistant means-"
Kya nodded as she shut her eyes, "Iroh will speak with his brother in the morning about you being transferred to live in his domain from now on. I think it's for the best."
Katara shook her head, "But-"
"No 'buts' Katara!" Kya snapped at her daughter. "You're a crippled girl. No matter how beautiful you become, it is unlikely anyone else will take you as a concubine and I don't want you to turn out like Malway and Haki, remaining a simple slave. You need to climb whatever opportunities we have here as meager tribeswomen. Zuko has made efforts to rekindle your friendship and now that you're both older, I think it best you try to get his attention. He'd be good to you."
"He's why I'm like this!"
"Yes, and I hear he's always felt guilty because of it." Kya sighed. "That and he defends you in class, does he not? When the other children make fun of you."
Katara looked away from her mother. She couldn't believe her mother was allowing this. Who's idea was this? Clearly, not her mother's and neither would it be Iroh's. Neither of them would be okay with this. She needed to know. Who's proposition this was?
In the morning, Katara went to see Iroh and saw the man smile at her, gesturing for her to take a seat with him. She did so and eyed him cautiously.
"Your highness, why is it I have to be Zuko's assistant? I don't want to live in the Second Prince's domain. He's rude and strict."
Iroh sighed, "Truthfully, little one, my brother worries for his son's ability to pass his exams. It could look really bad for his household if Zuko fails and with you having high marks on all your assignments, it leads my brother to believe that you can help Zuko succeed. You will this have here to return to once the task is done. We just need for Zuko to pass, so that he can become an official at court and aid his grandfather as a loyal subject. This is most important, Katara, and will bear you a great reward if you succeed."
"But my mother says I need to try to get his attention." Katara looked away in shame. "I think she wants me to be his concubine."
Iroh chuckled, "And I think that would be a great idea. Zuko is kind hearted like his mother and fierce like his father. Both good qualities are good to have. He'd be extremely good to you. Besides, I heard he's very protective of you during your lessons with the other students. He must still consider you a friend."
Katara didn't know about that. Like Azula had said, he was just feeling guilt towards being the cause of her injury. It was nothing deeper than that.
"Iroh, there you are." The two saw the second prince show up and Katara bowed her head to him. "Have you decided?"
Iroh got up from the comfy cushion he sat on, "Yes." He put his hands in his sleeves. "I was just informing Katara of her task in helping Zuko succeed in his exams."
Ozai looked to the girl and gave her a stern look, "His success and failure will weigh heavily on your shoulders. Success means reward and failure will mean your punishment. I expect high scores."
"Yes, your highness."
"Come, I'll have the servants gather your things." Ozai said as he turned.
Katara sighed and got up with Iroh's help.
While limping, the Second Prince went in details about her schedule and what was expected of her. She had to get up early and provide his son with a healthy breakfast, seeing to it her has bathed and dressed for the day, sit with him during lessons and answer any questions he might have, assist him on his assignments, and study with him through his study period. The second prince wanted perfection. Nothing less.
Reaching his domain, Katara was shown to Zuko's room and told she'd be sleeping in his chamber's spare room.
"Do not disappoint me, girl." The second prince sneered at her before skulking off.
Katara peeked her head into the chambers and had a look around. She found the spare room she'd have and saw it was smaller than the room she lived in in her mother's chambers. Which was fine. Katara knew she would only be here a few months until Zuko passed his exams.
"Katara?" She heard Zuko's voice and turned around. "What are you doing here?"
Turning around, Katara looked the Second Prince's son over and gave him an impassive look. "I'm here to be your assistant in passing your Official's exam. Your father said I'd be staying in this room."
"Oh," Zuko was a bit surprised but not really. His father did mention he'd get him a tutor but he never thought it would be Katara, though it did make sense. Katara had the highest grades in their class and she wasn't even Fire Nation. She excelled in all subjects and the instructor would berate the entire class for letting an inferior Tribes girl outsmart them.
Though, Zuko never thought of Katara as inferior. If anything, he thought very highly of her. She didn't know but as children, after their falling out, he'd come by to try and reconcile their friendship. However, he find her working hard at helping the other slaves and servants despite her not needing to with her mother being his uncle's concubine and then promoted to Consort. Katara wasn't a typical slave as she was allowed an education, had a decent wardrobe, and was the daughter of a consort. She was looked after and taken good care of by his uncle. Not to mention, she had a terrible limp that required her to have a cane when she walked. However, none of this stopped her from helping out the other slaves and servants.
Katara was generous, helpful, kind, compassionate, and intelligent. He thought she had to be some kind of saint in her past life because she was incredible in this life. Zuko truly admired her and was happy that he now had the opportunity to possibly turn things back around for them and get her to befriend him again.
"Did you need any help getting settled in?" Zuko asked
Katara shook her head just as the servants entered with a few of her things and placed it in the spare room.
Rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, "Well, let me know if you want to study or-"
"We should probably start after lessons today." Katara told him in a monotone voice. "Best to get ourselves ready so we aren't late."
Zuko nodded and went to tie his hair up as Katara limped out of their shared chambers. He felt pretty excited about her being here and hoped she'd forgive him so they could be friends again.
…..
Kya was fanning herself from the heat when Iroh came to sit with her and the two enjoyed some tea together.
"How's Katara doing?" Kya asked her master.
Iroh took a sip of his tea, "She's doing well. My brother says she's quite hard on Zuko and doesn't stand for his laziness. I believe she will have him prepared for the exams."
Kya nodded as she took a bite out of her crumb cake. She was pleased that that feisty spirit in her daughter was being put to good use. She just hoped she didn't forget to stay in line and be mindful of her words. Especially with Zuko. He was the whole reason she had that terrible limp. Maybe his guilt will cause him to have mercy on her if she stepped out of line. She prayed to Tui and La that her daughter succeeds in Zuko's success.
"Ow!" Zuko winced as he was hit in the head by Katara's cane.
"Focus! You think those exams will pass themselves?!" Katara shouted at him.
Zuko rubbed his head and continued reading over the notes Katara made specifically for him so he could retain the information better. He didn't know what he was going to do if he didn't pass. Not only would he and Katara be punished but Katara would hate him all over again. He didn't want that. They were finally starting to get along again.
The following day, Zuko passed several assignments and did so with high marks. His father was pleased with this and rewarded Katara with a hairpin to which she thanked him for.
"Hold on, sit still." Zuko told her as he took the hairpin and tried putting it in her bun.
Katara held still until he placed it in.
"There, it looks pretty." Zuko smiled at her as she reached to touch where the hairpin was in her hair. He thought Katara was a cute girl. She was always so serious but now, she looked proud of herself for receiving such a gift from his father. "If you keep helping me, my father will continue to reward you."
"Then you should study even harder." Katara said.
Zuko wanted to slap himself. He should have seen that coming.
Limping with her cane, Katara followed Zuko as he carried their books to their lessons. She eyed the back of his head and wondered why she didn't want to hate him so much anymore. She knew he was remorseful for what happened to her when they were younger and he always stood up for her because of it. Not to mention, he was always kind to her and let her eat with him during all his meals, sharing his food with her because he felt she was too skinny. Zuko always praised her for being kind and smart and he always thanked her after she tutored him for the day. He was really sweet and it was hard to ignore. Should she try being nicer to him? Maybe try to be his friend again?
"And what do we have here? My loser brother and his crippled slave." Azula said as she rolled up with her two close friends.
Zuko rolled his eyes, "Whatever, Azula, just get out of the way so we can go to our lessons."
Azula smirked, "Don't think so." She snaps her fingers and Ty Lee acrobatically takes the scrolls and books from Zuko before running off.
"Come back here!" Zuko shouted as he ran after Ty Lee.
With her brother gone, Azula smirked at Katara as the cripple stood with her cane.
"So, you and my brother fucking or something?" Azula asked.
Katara raised a brow, "Fucking? What are you talking about?"
Azula and Mai exchanged looks and burst into laughter.
"Oh dear Agni!" Azula laughed loudly. "She doesn't know what sex is!"
"I do!" Katara shouted back. "Iroh and my mom do it plenty."
The two girls laughed even more.
"So, do you and Zuzu have sex?" Azula smirked.
Katara looked in disgust at the two girls, "No! Zuko and I don't do that!"
"Good cause that would be gross." Azula smirked. "Who the fuck would want to sleep with a crippled slave girl? I wouldn't know how Zuzu would be able to get it up."
Mai smirked and folded her arms, "Say, Azula, should we see if we can break her other leg?"
Azula grinned, "What a good idea? Let's see how you'll be hobbling around with two fucked up legs."
Katara's eyes widened.
Zuko returned to see his sister and Mai kicking and beating Katara with her cane that was broken in two. He dropped his books and hurried to them, grabbing them to throw off of Katara.
"Stop it! What's wrong with you two?!" Zuko shouted. "She's done nothing to either of you! Leave her alone!"
Azula rolled her eyes, "Whatever, Zuzu. We'll leave you and your crippled girlfriend alone."
Zuko crouched down to Katara and scooped her up since she couldn't walk well without her cane. Deciding to carry her back to the domain, Zuko sees Katara is a little tearful at her encounter with his sister. He hated that this was practically his fault. They wouldn't even have picked on her if hadn't gotten her in trouble and had her sent off to be flogged.
Sighing, "Are you alright, Kat?"
Katara sniffled and nodded.
"I'm sorry about that. Azula's just a bitch. You can't take her too seriously. She's like that with everyone."
Katara glanced up at him, "Thank you, Zuko."
"For what?" He chuckled.
"For saving me. You're always so nice to me." Katara told him.
Smiling at her, "We're friends. Why wouldn't I be?"
Katara nodded as a small smile formed on her lips. She was happy to be called a friend again.
Reaching the domain, Zuko saw his father spotted him while he was carrying Katara back to their chambers and stopped when his father shouted for him. Apparently, his father didn't care that Azula attacked them and expected Zuko to be in his lessons already. He snatched the slave girl from his son and told him he'd carry her back to their rooms, telling his son to return to his lessons.
Zuko nodded and looked to Katara, who seemed timidly aware that she was in his father's arms.
"Yes, father." Zuko bowed slightly.
Ozai scoffed as his son took off running and glanced down at the girl in his arms. "You're supposed to be an aid to him. Not a distraction." he hissed.
"Forgive me, your highness."
"Oh, you will be forgiven. As soon as you atone."
Atone? Katara looked up and saw a sinister look on his face.
Zuko returned to his chambers a few hours later and heard Katara crying in her room. He was about to knock on her door when he heard his father's voice followed by Katara sounding as if she was being choked.
"Swallow it! You damn whore!" His father's voice growled.
Zuko stepped away from his father's door with wide eyes.
"That's it, good girl." He heard his father purr.
Zuko hurried to his room and slammed the door behind him, pressing his back to the door as he slid down it. Next thing he heard was Katara screaming, begging his father to stop what he was so clearly doing to her. Zuko panicked. He didn't know what he was supposed to do. He couldn't just barge in there and tell his father to stop. But he couldn't leave her to continue being raped by his father. What was he supposed to do? Had this been going on all day while he was in his lessons?
The screaming finally died down and he heard Katara's door open and the slam shut before his father's footsteps could be heard leaving the chambers. Zuko got up and opened his door, hurrying to Katara's room and opening it. Inside, his eyes widened at the sight of her naked, curled up on the floor with blood and other fluids covering her. This was his fault. Once again, Katara was hurt because of him and he didn't know what to do. He was a coward.
"Zu-Zu-ko." She looked up from the floor and reached out to him. "He-Help me." Her voice trembled as she was in tears.
Zuko made his way to her and grabbed the sheets off the bed to wrap around her before picking her up. He carried her to the bathroom and sat her by the tub. Running the water, Zuko helped Katara into the water and turned his back to her as he sat on the floor by the tub.
"Do you- Do you need anything?" Zuko's voice cracked.
Katara shook her head as she sat in the warm water, "No."
"Do you need me to stay?"
"Please." She said.
"Okay," Zuko crossed his legs to get comfortable. "I'm right here."
He listened to the water move around as he heard whimpers come from her. Zuko couldn't help getting angry at his father for what he had done. He couldn't get away with this. Zuko wouldn't allow it. This was wrong. Beyond wrong. But what could he do? He couldn't outright confront his father could he? Katara wasn't of age and for his father to sexually assault her, slave or not, it would make his father's reputation tank and ruin their household's name. It would end bad for them both. But if he didn't do something, this would just happen again, he feared.
"Katara….?"
"Hmm?" She groaned painfully.
"Did my father- did he-..." Zuko swallowed hard. "What did he do to you?"
Katara shut her eyes, "I don't-...please, I don't want to talk about it."
"Well, we should tel-"
"No, Zuko! No!"
"But why not?" Zuko was confused. Didn't she want someone to help her?
Swallowing hard, "I don't want my mother…to know."
Zuko furrowed his brows, "But-"
"It will break my mother, Zuko." Katara told him. "She puts up a pretty nice act. Always seeming to smile when Iroh is around and looks like she's truly happy. But she's scared. More than anything. I only know this because I hear her pray at night that me and my people are delivered from this hell. That I will always be kept safe." Katara tilted her head to the side. "If she knew…if she knew I wasn't kept safe…I think she'd lose faith in the gods…and that would destroy her."
Zuko figured he should at least tell his uncle. Maybe he could confront his father. That would be good, right? That had to help.
Iroh was deeply disturbed by what his nephew told him the next day. He never would have thought his brother was capable of something like this. Assaulting a young girl. It was unthinkable. But Iroh knew he couldn't let his brother get away with hurting Katara. She was a sweet girl and already, Iroh could see a difference in the girl. She was not the same. She was not herself.
Because Katara had already begun bleeding as of last year, Iroh had a physician make her a tonic to ensure there was no product of the assault. Zuko made it clear Katara didn't want her mother to know and they tried to keep it that way. However, Iroh knew Kya would eventually find out and decided to tell her anyway.
Finding out, Kya demanded to have her daughter returned to her and Iroh saw to it. He would bring Katara back to her mother.
"Brother, you and I must have a word." Iroh said as his hands were in his sleeves.
Sitting at the low table of his patio, Ozai sipped some tea spiked with bourbon, "Have a word with me about what?"
"Katara, her mother would like her daughter returned to her. I'm here to collect the girl." Iroh told him.
Snorting, "She hasn't finished her task of seeing to it that Zuko passes his exam."
Iroh furrows his brows, "Father says he is confident Zuko will pass with how well he's been doing this month. In the meantime, he has permitted me to come gather the girl."
"Pathetic. That girl is no good anyway." Ozai scoffed. "Just a damn cripple with a pretty face."
Iroh narrows his eyes at his brother, "You will not talk of that child in that way. She is just a child. You need to keep your hands off of her."
Ozai raised a brow, "Whatever do you mean, Iroh?"
"Cut the shit, Ozai! I know what you did to that poor child!" Iroh snapped.
Rolling his eyes, "She's just a damn slave. Just like her mother is. I can do with her what I want."
Iroh kicked the low table aside and scowled at his younger brother in great disdain, "You hand that child over and you stay away from her, Ozai! Do you hear me?! Or there WILL be consequences!"
"Take her. I don't much give a damn. She wasn't all that impressive anyway."
Iroh wanted so badly to beat the crap out of his sick demented brother. How could he do such a thing to a child and say that? It was unfathomable and Iroh wanted to teach him a serious lesson in keeping his filthy hands to himself. How dare he touch that girl? It infuriated Iroh to no end and he warned his brother again that there would be hell to pay if it happened again.
"Please eat, Katara." Kya said.
"I did."
"Not enough." Kya said. "Zuko will be here for tutoring in an hour."
Katara didn't want to have to continue tutoring Zuko. Not that any of what his father did to her was his fault. She just didn't want to face him. Not when he resembled his father. Just the thought of the Second Prince frightened her. Would he ever get his hands on her again? Feeling her gut sink into a bottomless pit inside her, Katara swallowed hard and shook her head. No, she didn't care what the punishment was. She didn't want to be his tutorer any longer.
"You have to, Katara." Kya crouched down to her daughter and cupped her face, staring tearfully at her. "We all do what we must to survive. We must."
Shutting her eyes as tears rolled down her face, "I don't want to survive if it means I have to feel this way." Katara cried.
Kya bit back her own tears and looked away, "Katara, don't do this to me. Don't make this harder."
"I can't, mom. I can't do this anymore. I just want to go home." Katara cried profusely.
Kya pulled her daughter into her arms and whispered into her ear, "Your father and brother, they're out there somewhere. Wherever they are, I know they will find us and bring us home."
Katara sniffled as she clung to her mother.
"But we have to be brave. We have to be strong. We have to survive at all cost, Katara. No matter what." Kya brushed her daughter's long hair with her hand. "I'm sorry you were hurt. I'm sorry I didn't protect you better. But if there is nothing else I do for you, my beautiful girl, then it is to prepare you for a life when I am no longer here."
Katara shook her head, "I won't survive without you, mom." she murmured against her mother's dress.
"You must, Katara. You must survive. Please, your father and brother, they must find you. Do you understand?"
Katara hesitated to nod her head.
Kya pressed her forehead to her daughter's, "I promise you this, child of mine, weakness and vulnerability will not always be your feat." Pulling back to look over her daughter, "I see it in your eyes and you will be strong like never before. Tui and La have shown me your future and there is love and happiness. You just have to survive these hardships. I promise you, Katara. There is light beyond this darkness."
…
A/N:
Let me know how you liked this story so far and keep the suggestions going.