From Assassin To Queen

Meeting Each Other

Zuko

Inside Dream

"You insolent brat! I told you to move your foot to the right not the left"! My father yelled as he slapped me across the face making me fall on the floor. He picked me up by my shirt and punched me in the stomach. I tried my best not to cry. Crying in front of him would only make it worse.

"Did you purposely not listen to me or is there too much wax in your ears that you couldn't hear me"? I didn't look at him. I was too scared. "Answer me when I'm talking to you you ungrateful brat"!

"I I'm sorry father, I didn't mean to". "Are you saying it was an accident"? I nodded. The next thing I knew I fell to the floor hard and was met with a kick to the stomach. "You are royalty! You aren't allowed to make mistakes! You are not allowed to disgrace me or your grandfather! Do you want our enemies to think we're weak"!

"N no". "Then act like it instead of being a disgrace to my name". He glared down at me before leaving. When I heard the doors close, I allowed the tears I was holding back to fall down my face one by one.

My whole body hurt. The pain was unbearable preventing me from moving. I wanted to leave from here. I wanted to go to my room and hide under the covers for as long as I could.

The door to the training room opened up but I didn't look to see who it was. I was too afraid father had come back for round two. My body stiffened as they came closer to me and kneeled down. I didn't know what was going on. I didn't know what they were going to do to me but was able to relax after hearing her soft gentle voice.

"Zuko, can you hear me? It's me my momma". I opened my eyes and looked up at her scared. "Momma"? "Yes my love, let's get you to your room". She gently picked me up and carried me out of the training room.

I clung to her tight as she walked down the hall and up a flight of stairs.  Once at my room she headed inside and laid down in bed with me holding me close.  "Try to rest my son, your safe with ne".

"It hurts". I whimpered. "I know". She gently ran her fingers through my hair. "The doctor will be here soon". "Dad"? "Don't worry about your father, he'll be leaving soon. It'll just be me, you, and Azula". I nodded closing my eyes.

End of dream

I jolted awake. My chest felt tight as I panted with beads of sweat on my forehead. It had been a while since I dreamed of my mother. The last time was a few months ago while I was taking a nap after training. Like all my nightmares they start off with my dad but then my mother comes and holds me in her arms.

"Get your ass up, we're running late". Mei said throwing a set of clothes at me. "I need a minute". "You don't have a minute now get up and behave like your supposed to".

I changed into my day clothes as quickly as I could and made my way to the throne room with Mei behind me. My father was already there. His eyes were stern as he looked at me while sitting on the throne. Mei and I both bowed to him before taking our seats as well.

Azula and uncle arrived a few minutes later. Azula sat beside me while Uncle stood a few feet away from the thrones. I would have preferred he be up here with us but knew father wouldn't allow it. I looked over at Azula and saw that she was uncomfortable but did her best to hide it.

"Send them in". Father spoke. The guards opened the door and in walked a young man and woman both with chocolate skin, brown hair, and dark blue eyes. They walked up to my father and kneeled before him. "Your names"?

"Sokka Mizuno, this is my younger sister Katara. We heard word you were in need of more guards and servants so we came here in hopes for jobs". Father looked at them both intensely. His eyes were void of any emotion making it hard to tell what he was thinking.

I had an idea but wasn't a hundred percent certain of it. These two were outsiders, that didn't matter to me but my father was a different story.

"Where are you from"? "Everywhere. Our parents lived on the streets with me when I was younger but two years after my sister was born they abandoned us both". "You don't look homeless".

"My master took us in, he's the one that fed us and trained me. I promise If given the opportunity I will devote my life to this nation and do everything I can to protect the royal family and the crown". 

"You'll be given a trial run tomorrow if you pass you'll become a member of my guard and your sister will be given a job for now, Zuko and Azula show them to their rooms". "Yes, my king". We said in unison.

Azula

She said nothing as I led her down one of the long hallways. I tried to get a read on her but her eyes were almost emotionless and it was obvious her guard was up completely. Considering how my father is I don't blame her. Part of me wanted to tell her that she and her brother should find a different place to stay, a more safer place to stay but I didn't. The words wouldn't come out.

Once we arrived at the maid quarters I took her to one of the rooms and allowed her to get settled in. "If you need anything just ask Cynthia she'll take good care of you".

"Where's my brother"? "My brothers taking him to the royal guard quarters he'll be fine there, no one will hurt him. If you'll excuse me I must be going". I left her to her things and went looking for Mei. I found her walking alone and immediately made my way over to her. She tried to get away but I wouldn't allow it.

"What do you think you're doing"? I asked sternly, my hand on her shoulder. "What do you mean princess"? She spoke Inna monotone voice. She didn't even have the decency to look me in the eyes. "You know dam well what I mean. Why did you agree to marry my brother when you know he doesn't love you"?

"It's strictly business now please let go of me and do as your told, we wouldn't want you getting into another accident now would we". I looked at her shocked. Never in a million years would I have believed Mei would actually threaten me. She's supposed to be my friend.

Word Count: 1180