From Assassin To Queen

Do You Love Her?

Zuko

I couldn't sleep. She had only told me the story but I was able to picture how everything happened in my head. The image of my father's fists connecting with her face wasn't a pleasant sight to see. All I wanted was to go to him and treat him the same way he did my mother but I couldn't, mostly because we were far away from home.

I was glad for that at least. She was far away from him ever being able to hurt her again. I let out a sigh as I turned over. Katara was sleeping beside me her facial features soft and at peace. I carefully brought my hand up brushing a few strands away before placing it carefully on her cheek.

She was beautiful during the day but even more so at night. The moonlight coming in from the window beside us did an excellent job at highlighting her face making her shine as she slept.

You want to stay by my side but why? Why not go home with your brother and have someone that's not so broken? Why me?

I watched her a little while longer before carefully crawling out of bed and heading outside to the front porch. The air wasn't cold but cool providing as a way of cooling me down from my anger.

"Can't sleep either zuzu". I turned to see my mother and sister sitting together on the porch swing. I shook my head. "Come join us then, Azula was telling me all about her and Sokka". I did as told but looked at her confused as I sat down.

"You and Sokka are together"? "We are, it started off online but since meeting him in person he's been there every time I've needed him. I can tell by the way he looks at me that he genuinely cares about me".

"As long as he makes you happy, that's all I care about". "What about you Zuko"? Mom asked. I looked at her confused. "What about me"? She smiled. "How do you feel about that young girl you're with"?

"Katara? I uh-". I looked to the side trying to find the right words. "You like her a lot don't you". "It's only been a few days". "Doesn't matter, love doesn't have a set time to appear. What I do know is that if your lucky enough to find it when you're young you need to hold onto it tight and never let go".

"Thanks, mom". "Your welcome my love but the three of us do need to talk about what we're going to do". "What do you mean"? Azula asked. "By now your fathers noticed that the both of you are missing. Ozai needs to constantly be in power, he hates being looked at as if he's weak so I know he'll do anything to make sure your both back under that roof. We have to get ahead of things before he does".

"How do we do that"? She placed her hand on my face. "I have a plan but I'm going to need you both to trust me. Think you can do that"? "Yes". We said in unison. "Good. Now listen carefully".

Katara

I felt when he left the room but didn't move to follow him. I knew all of this was a lot and that he needed alone time to process everything, him and Azula both. If they're talking with their mother right now I don't know but I hope that they are.

They still have their mother. They can still hug her and talk with her. Get advice when they need to and build a relationship with. They can do everything I can't. In a way I am jealous but I'm also happy. The three of them deserve to be happy.

Sun Ray: Do you want to tell me why you and Sokka are in a different location?

Sun Ray texted causing my phone to buzz. I wanted to try and get a little bit more sleep but boos had other planes.

Me: There's been a little detour in the plan. Sokka and I found out that Ursa's actually alive and brought the Prince and Princess to see their mother

Sun Ray: I thought I made your orders clear

Me: You did but it felt like the right thing to do

Sun Ray: The right thing for you or the mission? I knew I should've sent someone more experienced along with your brother. You're letting your personal feelings get in the way of your objective. Report back to base immediately, Jet will escort you

Jet, I should've known he would call her

I couldn't believe he would betray me like this. Yes, I knew he had feelings for me but to try and take me away from my mission is something I don't think can forgive him for. This was my first mission ever. He knows how important this is to me. He knows how long I've waited for my opportunity to prove myself yet he decided to take it from me just because I like the Prince. It's not fair at all.

The door opened but I didn't look up to see him. "I didn't wake you did I"?

"No".

He sat next to me. "Wanna talk about it"? "You have more important things to worry about besides me". "Your important to me as well but if your not ready I won't push".

"Jet reported me to my boss, she's ordering me to return back". "I'm guessing helping me find my mother wasn't allowed"? "All she cares about is us killing Ozai but I understand that both are important".

"Katara". "I'm not going, I don't care what the consequences are I want to stay and help you Zuko". He took my hand in his and squeezed. "Thank you, Katara, thank you for everything".

Word Count: 981