My arm still wrapped around her neck as I squeezed tightly. My body released my seed deep inside her.
Softening up my grip I heard Katara's panting body as mine did the same.
"Just admit you stole it... and I could stop tomorrow," I whispered in he...
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Walking beside Katara through the small village near my estate, I couldn't help but wonder who had mysteriously left a chest of gold on my doorstep a few nights ago. It appeared out of nowhere—not long after Katara and I returned from the Earth Kingdom. I wouldn't dare admit it aloud, but my heart had leapt the moment my eyes fell upon it.
For weeks, I'd been struggling to maintain the kind of life I believed Katara deserved—one worthy of her, even away from the palace. Her newborn would arrive soon. He wouldn't be mine by blood, yet my word could not be broken. I had already promised to give the child my name. To be without funds now would be a grave mistake.
"Lu Ten?" Katara's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Are you alright?"
I turned to her. She wore a long, flowing hanfu dress, its skirt a soft yellow embroidered with white designs. The top blended hues of red and orange, shifting gently in the breeze.
"Of course I'm fine," I lied, forcing a small smile. "Why would you ask?"
Her hair was pinned in a high bun, two shorter strands framing her face. The evening sun hung low, casting a golden hue that warmed her skin with soft undertones of amber. Her left hand cupped the fabric beneath her rounded belly as she tucked a stray lock behind her ear.
"You've been quiet on our walk into town," she said, glancing down shyly. "I was just... worried."
Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and I found myself fighting the urge to reach out, to trace the warmth of her skin with my hand.
"Do you want to head back home?" I asked instead, voice low. "I'm sure whatever Lotus was cooking is ready by now."
"Sure," Katara agreed softly, rubbing her stomach.
*THUMP!*
Katara's body jerked forward, her eyes widening with tears. Her mouth opened in horror before a piercing scream tore through the quiet evening.
"AAAAAAAHHH!!!"
Instinct took over. I lunged forward, catching her before she hit the ground. My hands gripped her arm, but my breath caught as crimson began to spread across her shoulder. Blood. So much blood.
Something metallic glinted faintly in the fading light—an arrowhead, embedded deep through the fabric of her dress. My heart stopped. I looked past her, following the shaft to where the arrow protruded cleanly from her back.
"Katara!" I shouted, my voice cracking with terror.
Her body trembled against my arms, the warmth of her blood seeping through my hands as the world around us seemed to fall away. 
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