From Assassin To Queen

Getting Closer To Him

Katara

I woke up early the next day, snuck my way into the head maid's office, and made it so I would be in charge of helping Prince Zuko from now on. I placed my dress on and quickly did my hair in a fishtail braid before making my way to his chambers.

According to his schedule, Prince Zuko was supposed to be having his breakfast in the royal library. I made my way into his bedroom quietly and turned on the lights. Much to my joy Princess Mei wasn't in bed with him but what I surprisingly found more enjoyable was the sleeping state he was in.

The covers were off of him revealing his toned six-pack. He looked beautiful while he slept, peaceful even.  All I wanted to do in that moment was lay down next to him and hold him. I don't know why it just felt like he needed one even while he slept.

"Prince Zuko, it's time to wake up". I said making my way to the dark red curtains that covered his window and opening them. The sunlight came in immediately lighting up his pale wheat skin.

"Five more minutes". He grumbled. I smiled. "No can do my prince, your breakfast will get cold if you wait too long". He groaned more as his eyes slowly fluttered open. I could immediately see the look of confusion in them as they took in my presence trying to figure out what was going on.

"Katara". He sat up still looking at me confused. "What are you doing here? Where's Jun"? "I was put in charge of helping you from now on I hope that's ok". "It is, I'm sorry if I came off as rude". I shook my head. "I thought nothing of it now".

I made my way to his closet and picked out a burgundy red shirt with dark blue pants for him, placed it on his bed for him, and walked out for him to get dressed in peace. When he came out, I followed behind him as we made our way to the royal library.

Once there I watched as he scanned the bookshelf for something to read then headed to one of the long tables and sat down. I brought his tray of food and sat it next to him before pouring him a fresh cup of tea. "May I do your hair for you, my prince"? He nodded.

I left out of the room and came back with all the hair supplies I would need. I made my way behind him taking a section of hair into my hands. Despite the multiple strands going in different directions, it was soft. I took the comb gently getting rid of all the tangles, then took the bottle of moisturizer pouring a good bit into my hand before applying it to his jet-black hair making it smell good as well as look shiny. I finished it up by brushing it over a few times and leaving it down.

"All done my prince". "Thank you, Katara". I bowed to him. "Is there anything I can do for you"? He thought for a while. "Accompany me to town". To say his request was shocking would be an understatement.

Once breakfast was over he let one of the guards know we were leaving and left out of the palace walking. I thought he would've asked one of the guards for a car but he didn't, instead, he walked down the long driveway where one of the guards opened the gates for us.

"I'll be back within an hour". "Yes my prince, take care". I walked beside him silently. I didn't dare speak out of turn for multiple reasons one being I was still on a mission and had to keep my act up. I was also a little nervous to say anything. His highness was engaged and here I was walking beside him as if we were together.

I knew this wasn't appropriate. I knew servants didn't normally go walking around with members of the royal family. That became more evident the more I noticed people giving us strange curious looks. They were questioning what we were doing together. They were questioning where was lady Mei and if she knew about any of this or not yet I found myself not caring about any of that.

"Are you afraid you'll get into trouble by walking with me"? "No, it's just I'm a little curious as to why you didn't take one of the cars". "Because, unlike my father I enjoy walking. I want my citizens to know that their prince and future king is someone they don't have to be afraid of.

I want them to come to me with their problems. I want them to be able to trust me and depend on me to protect them. I don't want to be the kind of king my father is".

We arrived at one of the grocery stores. Once inside I grabbed one of the baskets and immediately went to work picking out fruits and vegetables. "Can you look at herbs for me"? "Is this something you do often"? She asked grabbing a basket.

"I try to come as often as I can. If it was up to my father I'd stay inside the palace gates all day like he does. That's not me though, I need to see my people. I need to see who's happy, sad, sick, or healthy. That's why I'm here, Azula hasn't come out of her room and I know my cooking always makes her feel better.

I plan on making her a few fruit and vegetable snacks as well as making her a salad. I know it's not chips or ice cream but it's what makes her feel better

I couldn't believe it. I had expected him to just ask one of the kitchen staff to make it for her but no, here he was going to a store and buying the items to make it himself.

"Won't you get into trouble"? "No, Bao will cover for me, he's the head chef".

He even knows all the names of his is staff

Once back at the palace I went find Sokka immediately and took him to a secluded area. "What are you doing I have to get back to Azula"? He whispered screamed. I quickly checked to make sure no one was listening. "The queen was forced to marry King Ozai. I found a secret passageway in the library and messages that prove it. He threatened to kill her family if she didn't agree to it".

He nodded. "I'll update Sun Ray".

Word Count: 1117