From Assassin To Queen

Princess

Zuko

My whole body was numb as I sat beside my father in the throne room. Azula was sitting beside me doing her best not to look nervous. Father made it clear to us both that attending these meetings were mandatory and would result in severe punishment if we didn't obey.

Uncle Iroh wasn't here. He could attend the meeting if he wanted to but it wasn't required of him. When we were younger he would come with us as a form of moral support but after I turned eighteen he stopped. I completely understood why, our father wasn't the easiest person to be around.

"What's the status with our troops in the west"? Father asked. "Everything is going according to plan sir, we should have full control of the west by the end of the week" 

"The northeast". "The kingdom there is proving to be more capable than we expected". "Meaning"? "Most of our troops there have fallen in battle. Captain Lang is requesting assistance for backup".

"You can tell Captain Lang that if his men fall in battle it'll be due to his weakness and incompetence. I will not send more of my men for him to kill. If he fails I'll just get someone else more suitable".

I wanted to protest but knew I couldn't. My father was the king and I had to do as he said like a good little subordinate.

After the meeting was over I took Azula to a hidden area and immediately hugged her. "Do you think Captain Lang will be alright zuzu"? "I hope so. He's strong and smart but King Bumi is very clever, I don't know how this will end".

"I can't wait for the day to come when you'll be king". "I know, I just need you to stay strong a little longer for me think you can do that"? "If it's for you then yes". "Thank you, Azula".

"Prince Zuko, the king requests your presence in the throne room". One of the guards said. "I'll be right there". I placed my hand on Azula's head before heading to the throne room where my father was.

Once there the guards opened the doors for me. I made my way down the long aisle to the throne and kneeled before him. "My king"? "Is there a reason you left the meeting room so fast"?

"I was heading to my room to study". Over the years I've learned how to lie well enough so I don't run the risk of angering him and potentially ending up with another black eye or a broken arm. I also know the guards would never tell on either me or Azula.

"I see. I hate to take you away from something so important but this is a matter of utmost importance. As requested by the previous king you will be taking the throne soon but considering how I know you like to act I have gone ahead and chosen your wife for you".

"My wife? Don't I get a say in who I marry"? I raised my head. "Normally yes but I don't trust you to make a decision that big. The queen of Phoniex needs to be a strong woman who is capable of handling tough decisions when her king cannot, someone the people will love, give her king many children, and keep her king on the right path".

The doors opened and I turned my head to see Mei one of Azula's friends walking in. She wore a royal dark red dress and made her way over towards me and kneeled in front of my father.

"Considering you and Mei already know each other I figured this would be the perfect match up. She comes from a prestigious family and is loyal to our kingdom she will make you a wonderful wife".

"Yes, my king".

I took Mei by the hand and immediately headed towards my room with her. I made sure no one was around to overhear our conversation and closed the door tight.

"Have you lost your dam mind? Why on Earth would you ever agree to this"? She looked at me emotionless. "This is a good political opportunity for my family. Yes, my father is a governor but my parents want to make sure they continue to have an easy comfortable life and as their oldest child I must make sure of that since their only son is only a toddler".

"They're using you Mei, don't tell me you're honestly ok with that? Don't tell me that you're ok with signing your life away"? "If it gets my parents off my back then I don't care just do as your supposed to and everything will be fine". These were her last words before opening the door and walking out.

I let out a frustrated sigh as I slumped down on my bed gripping my hair.

Would things be like this if you were here mother? Would you let father get away with this? Would you actually let him do this to me or would you fight to protect me? I miss you so much

"Zuko". Tears rolled down my face at the sound of her voice. Without a second thought, she made her way over to me and took me into her arms. "I have to marry Mei". I cried in her lap. "I'm here zuzu".

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