From Assassin To Queen

The Parents

Katara

I woke up the next day, got myself ready, and headed straight to the kitchen to pick up Prince Zuko's breakfast. Once I had it I made my way to his room headed inside and placed the tray on the dresser. "Morning Prince Zuko. I'll pick out your outfit for you and leave you to get dressed. Will you be eating in the library again"?

"Rather he does or doesn't isn't your concern". Lady Mei's voice spoke. I turned around to face her and was greeted with a menacing glare. "Lady Mei". I bowed. "I told you to stay away from Azula, I didn't think I had to tell you to stay away from my fiancee as well".

"I'm not in charge of the schedules madam. All I did was what I was told to do". I was met with a slap that caused me to fall onto the edge of the bed. "Don't stand there and act like I'm dumb! I know all about you going into town with him. Who the hell do you think you are? You're a nobody! A peasant! The Prince will never choose you over me, someone he's known since childhood".

I'm not

"His Highness asked me to go with him. He was putting together a gift for Princess Azula". I said picking myself up. She slapped me again. "You should have declined his offer. It clearly was a test which you failed". "I'm sorry". I kneeled before her. "You will do well to remember who I am. I can and will make your and your brother's life hell if I have to now get out of my sight".

"Yes, your Highness". I stood up and walked out as fast as I could.

Zuko

I had woken up early and snuck off to the duck pond before Mei or my father woke up. For years this spot in the garden has served as my safe haven from everything. It's the place mother and I would come to play or relax, Azula came with us a few times but it was always just the two of us.

I want you to grow up to be a loving man Zuko the complete opposite of your father

My mother's words echoed in my head. Sometimes I wonder why it is she stayed with my father. Did she not have a choice? Was she forced to come here so he can make everyone think he has the perfect life or was it to protect her kids? If that's the case then why isn't she still here? Where did she go? What happened to her? I have so many unanswered questions.

"Prince Zuko". One of the guards called out. "Yes, Samuel"? "The king wishes to speak with you, your future in-laws are here as well". I mentally sighed. "Very well".

I made my way to the throne room swiftly and was greeted by my father sitting on the throne with Mei beside him and her parents sitting cross-legged across from them. I made my way to my father and bowed before sitting.

"I'm glad you decided to join us, Prince Zuko". Father spoke as one of the maids came to pour us tea. I couldn't help but notice that it was Jun instead of Katara. "I didn't know about this". "I told you yesterday to be ready". Mei spoke. "I was out on errands yesterday". Father gave me a stern look getting ready to say something but was cut off.

"All that matters is that your here now". Mochi Mei's mother spoke. "I suppose your right". Father said. "The reason we're here Prince Zuko is to discuss your marriage with our daughter. You should be happy we're interested in this sort of thing".

"Of course sir". "There was no need for either of you to come. Zuko and I will have a traditional royal wedding, he will have his groomsmen while Ty Lee and Azula will be my bridesmaids. We will have traditional food served along with alcoholic drinks, everyone will be dressed in red with the decorations red as well and we will be married in the spring".

"Prince Zuko". Michi called. "It's what my fiancée wants". "Very well then". Ukano spoke standing up. "Thank you for agreeing to speak with us your majesty, we'll be on our way". They bowed and left.

"Now what errands were you referring to Zuko"? Father asked. "He was referring to the outing he had with the outsider, he took her into town with him when he knew he has a fiancée".

"I took her into town to help me get things for Azula since it's clear I'm the only one that gives a dam about her". He punched me hard causing my head to hit the back of throne I was sitting on.

"I told you not to worry about your sister, I have everything covered". I glared at him. "I will always care about my sister, I'm not heartless like you". "Doesn't matter, that maid won't be a problem any longer she's learned her place".

I turned my gaze to her. "What the hell does that mean"? "Nothing I simply reminded her of who's in charge".  Without another word, I dashed out of the room and went looking for her immediately. I needed to find her. I needed to know she was safe.

I searched and searched but she was nowhere to be seen. Not in the library, not in the hallways cleaning, not in the maid quarters nowhere. I don't know why I was so worried about her. I barely knew her yet I knew I wouldn't be able to relax unless I saw her safe. I needed to see she was safe.

"Your Highness, is everything alright". I turned to see Sokka with a worried expression on his face. "Have you seen Katara? Please tell me she's alright". I pleaded. His expression turned to an uneasy one. "It's not my place sir".

"You won't get into trouble, I promise you". He averted his eyes back to mine. "Lady Mei slapped her around a few times this morning for going into town with you". "Is she ok"? He nodded. "She is but I think it's best she has some alone time right now if that's ok". I relaxed. "Yes, tell her she can take as much time as she'd like". "Thank you, your highness".

Word Count: 1071