From Assassin To Queen

Gathering Information

Zuko

I couldn't take it. For the past few days, my father has been avoiding me. Every time I made my way to the throne room he was always in a meeting. When I went looking for him in his bedroom he was never there. He knew I was pissed. He knew I wanted answers for who was after Azula and yet he was avoiding me.

I deserved to know who was after my sister. I deserved to know what he was doing in regards of protecting her.

"Prince Zuko". I turned to see my training instructor Zhao making his way over to me. He was one of the army's generals but was put in charge of training me in his free time.

"Have you seen my father"? "His Majesty is busy tending to business at the moment you on the other hand are late for a training session". "That will have to wait". "Really? I thought you would be happy to get stronger or do you not want to protect your sister any longer"?

"You know that's the farthest thing from the truth". I glared. "Then come show me what you can do". He headed outside towards the training arena and I followed behind. Once there we went on different sides of the arena and kneeled down before turning around to face each other.

"Zuko". Uncle called out behind me. "Watch your precious grandson get beat, old man". Zhao smirked. I charged at him quickly aiming for a right punch. He moved his head to the side and I countered with a left punch which he also dodged.

I went for a kick to the chest but he managed to block it with both his arms. I brought my leg up for a kick then jumped up spinning and kicked him in the head once more.

He went for a punch but I managed to dodge. He went for a second punch and I managed to dodge that one as well but was then kicked in the gut followed up by a kick to the head. I tried countering with a punch but he managed to grab hold of my arm and throw me to the ground.

I glared at him before swinging my legs around to pick myself up as well as kick him in the chest and head. He stumbled a bit and I countered with another double kick maneuver causing him to fall to the ground. "Next time don't waste my time with something so pointless". I walked off with uncle following beside me.

"You were close to losing your temper there Prince Zuko". "I have to protect Azula". "Yes brother and sister must always look out for one another but if you allow fear and anger to take control you risk losing yourself in the process and causing more harm than good".

Katara

I waited for nightfall to come. The entire day I pretended to be the best servant I could. I cleaned everything that was asked of me, stayed out of the way of the royal family, and only spoke when spoken to. I couldn't afford to cause any unnecessary attention to myself.

When I was certain everyone was asleep I rose quietly from my head and tiptoed out of the room. The hallways were dimly lit providing a little bit of light for me to see where I was going. Thankfully the servant chambers were only a few hallways down from where the prince and princess slept.

I made my way there quickly and saw Sokka standing guard in front of the princess's door. He didn't look tired at all, it's as if he was on autopilot. "Sokka". I whispered approaching.

"What are you doing here"? He whispered back. "Come with me to the library, we might be able to find information on the royal family there". "You go I have to stay and guard the princess". I glared at him. "Have you forgotten our mission already"?

"This is part of our mission now do as your supervisor told you and go". He looked at me sternly something he's never done before. I don't know what it was but in that moment I didn't recognize my brother at all. "Fine then". I glared back.

I made my way to the royal library as swiftly as I could. Opening and closing the door softly I made my way inside and started looking for any and everything that could help me gain vital information.

The lights in here were dimly lit as well. There was just enough light to look around for books and read on one of the many crimson-red couches or tables. I searched around for a while until I came across a ladder. I made my way over to it, climbed it, and started scanning the second story.

I moved books around pushing them to the side and pulling a few downwards until I accidentally pulled a certain one down causing the entire bookshelf to turn around. Everything was pitch black as I placed my hands on the ground feeling the floor and walls trying to figure out what was in front of me and where to go when all of a sudden candles on the walls lit up lightning my way.

The bookshelf brought me to a stone hallway that only went forwards. Carefully I rose to my feet and followed it. I was careful to make sure my footsteps didn't leave a sound. I had no idea where I was in the palace nor did I know if anyone would be able to hear me or not.

After thirty minutes or so I came across a door. It wasn't a regular door that you opened and walked into the room, this door had a lever.

It could be a trap but I don't have a choice.

Carefully and slowly I pulled it down. I could hear something rolling on the other side and two seconds later a rectangular opening opened up and out rolled documents that were followed up. I picked one of them up undoing the red string that was around it and read it. It wasn't a letter but a copy of an old text conversation.

Ozai:  You Ursa Embry have been chosen to be my wife. My name is his highness Prince Ozai Egan of Phoniex. You are to pack your things as soon as possible and wait to be picked up and brought to me at the palace

Ursa: I'm honored my prince but I have to respectfully decline. I'm already in a relationship and am very much happy with my partner

Ozai: You fail to understand I'm not giving you a choice in this. I could care less if your with someone or not. I want you as my wife and that's the job you will fulfill. If not I will make it so all of your family members live horrible miserable lives

Ursa: You monster. You'll never get away with this

Ozai: I am going to take that response as a yes

I was in complete utter shock. I quickly read through the rest of the papers and had an idea of what actually happened to the queen.

Word Count: 1208