Don't Leave Me (Zuko x OC)

Prologue

*8 year old Muri*

It was far to early for this. Yawning quietly behind my sleeve and rubbing my eyes as we were welcomed past the palace gates. I gripped a little tighter onto Hiroshi's hand seeing the ornate building, towering higher than I'd ever see even the mountains climb and decorated with gold that glinted in the sunrise. The sight was incomparable and stunning in every way. 

"Now, children, remember your manners. These aren't just some nobles that we would dine with regularly, it's the royal family. Do not speak unless spoken to and make sure you choose your words carefully." Hiroshi spoke under his breath as if he daren't be heard by even the guards escorting us. 

"Yes, Hiroshi." My brother and I chimed, stopping at a pair of grand doors. 

I looked around curiously, the walls were covered with grand tapestries, woven with great care to create such detail; each depicting a fire lord of the past. Heavily armed guards blocked the entrance, exit and just about every spot something dangerous could possibly get in. I could not see their faces, protected by their helmets, and it scared me a little. They were very intimidating, staring dead ahead, un-moving, almost a statue in their posture. The pointing spears in their hands and daggers at their belts did little to ease my already troubled and anxious heart. 

Thankfully (maybe), the doors opened and we were let inside. It was a large room, pillars holding up the high ceiling and a freshly polished marble floor beneath our feet. There was no furniture, save for a throne upon a raised platform at the end of the hall. Someone sat in the throne. A terrifying figure, with a crown of golden flames on his head and look of pure malice in his golden eyes. Beneath him, sat others; directly below were two men, one more bulkier with a kind look in his eye and small smile while the other was leaner but had no a trace of emotion on his pale face. Beside the nicer man was a teenage boy who looked to be the same age as my brother, something Ezume seemed to notice as well. Next to the other was a beautiful woman, with long flowing hair and smile upon her lips and at her side sat what I assumed were her children. A young boy with dark hair and golden eyes, though not cruel and sharp like the older man's, more warm like molten gold. He seemed to be attempting to sit perfectly still and look straight ahead, but was continuously fidgiting and glancing over at us. And finally a young girl, only about 6, but looked more poised than her brother. 

We finally stopped walking a couple metres before the family and I wanted to hide behind my guardian away from all their intimidating stares. Hiroshi knelt down bowed and assuming we should follow suit, Ezume and I took to our knees too and lowered our heads. 

"General Hiroshi." A deep voice called out. 

It was mildly terrifying how loud it was despite sounding very calm. 

"My lord, it is an honour to be in your presence." Hiroshi rose to his feet and we did the same, though I still clung tightly to his hand, "I thank you again for your consideration of my proposal."

"Yes. I would have given you an answer when you came last week, however, it seemed I had to at least discuss it with my son first." The Fire Lord gestured the man sat below on the right, the nasty looking one who straightened up at the mention of himself. "We have decided to go ahead with the arrangement."

Hiroshi smiled, "I humbly, thank you, my Lord."

"Once both have turned 16, Prince Zuko and your ward, Lady Muri will be wed."

A small gasp was elicited from the woman who looked down at her son who suddenly found his pants very interesting. I looked up at Hiroshi, silently questioning what I just heard but he only squeezed my hand in response.