Falling For the Prince

Captured

So this was how it was going to be from now on, huh? Getting bossed around by Mr. Prince Boy and his sister over there. I guess so. It can't be that bad, though. I mean, they did kind of save me. Okay, maybe I should start from the beginning.

My name is Crystal. I am - well, was - an excellent thief. When I say was, I mean something prevented me from continuing. You see, as a girl who doesn't have a family anymore, I was forced to, you know, steal things that I could trade for money. If I may say so myself, I became quite good at it.

Stealing things from non-benders seemed like and easy thing to do - and, believe me, it was - but they didn't have much to steal. I soon moved on to breaking into high-ranked bender's houses. I started with the waterbenders first. Too easy. My firebending overpowered their waterbending any time it was necessary to fight.

Anyway, the waterbenders didn't seem to be enough. So, I then moved on to the earthbenders. It was a little bit tougher, nothing I couldn't handle though. With the earthbenders, I started with some more, well, inexperienced ones? I guess you could say that. Not inexperienced in regards to their bending, but dealing with thiefs inexperienced. It was fairly easy. I only got caught once or twice.

I moved onto the very high-class earthbenders after that. You know, like the Beifongs. For a really rich family, you'd think they have better security than what they actually do. I could have walked right through their door! I got a lot of money and items from that house... Kept me going for a while, at least.

I just recently started stealing from the firebenders. Nothing like fighting your own people! Hell, if that didn't prove to be difficult. Nonetheless, I got through it. Soon enough, I felt that I was ready for the most dangerous family yet; who everyone calls "The royal family". If you haven't already guessed, I mean Fire Lord Ozai, Princess Azula, and Prince Zuko.

I should have known better... I got caught. And when I say caught, I mean caught caught. My firebending did nothing to hold the guards back. They captured me and kept me detained in some room.

They knew I was a wanted criminal. Hell, who didn't know? So, I guess being detained was going to happen eventually. I just didn't think it would happen there. Oh well, it did. Nothing I can do about it now.

Continuing on with the story, I was detained in some room inside the massive building. You won't believe what happened next. Prince Zuko, yes, Prince Zuko of all people, came in and said four simple words to me: "I'm letting you go."

Yeah, you read right. Letting me go. But wait, there was a catch. I would only be let go if I agreed to be a servant for Fire Lord Ozai, Princess Azula, and him.

I obviously accepted the offer. I mean, sure I'd have to tend to their every whim, but I'd have a place to stay. I'd get fed. Two things I hadn't had in a long while.

And so, we're back to present time. I've had quite a journey, huh? Working here isn't too bad so far. I'm hearing more from Azula than the other two. Stuck up little... She always gets what she wants. Fire Lord Ozai definitely plays favorites.

I've been able to relax for a little today. Everyone was busy with their own thing, leaving me with nothing to do, no "royalty" to attend t-

"Crystal! Come here!" Azula called from down the hall. Ah, the bitch is back.

I made my way down the hall, muttering other obscene things about her. "Yes, Princess Azula?"

I have to seem nice and bubbly around her... It's terrible.

"Ah, yes. You see, I seem to be a bit thirsty. Would you be so kind as to get me some water?"

She's smirking. Why the hell is she smirking? I put on the most fake smile I could and politely complied. "Of course."

I let my smile fade as I turned around and walked out the door. Water. Really? She couldn't get off her ass and get it herself? Whatever.

Once I made it to the kitchen, I grabbed a small glass - anything larger and she would yell about me trying to make her sick - and poured water into it. Oh, what I would give to just dump this on her head...

On the way back, I accidentally bumped into Zuko, causing some water to spill onto my shirt.

"Can you watch where you're going?" he asked, the usual scowl on his face.

"S-sorry. I'll be more careful," I told him, quickly making my way back to Azula's room. Great. One of the few times I get to make a good impression, and I blew it.

Why do I want to make a good impression on him, you may ask? Are you kidding me? He's freaking attractive! I mean, he's got the - what you would call - emo hairstyle. Those beautiful, golden eyes. Badass personality. Not to mention that his scar just makes him ten times more attractive.

Okay, no. This is not happening. Falling for the prince... What am I thinking? Plus, he has a girlfriend. I don't exactly understand what he sees in her, but oh well.

I shook my head clear of all these thoughts before reentering Azula's room. "Sorry it took so long," I told her. "I accidentally ran into your brother on the way here." The fake smile was back on my face.

She frowned and looked out the door. "My brother's always getting in the way... You still have the water, right?"

"Yeah. There's a little less water in the glass than before due to me running into your brother, but it's still pretty full."

"Let me see it," she ordered, holding her hand out.

I handed her the glass and eyed her warily. There was something in her eyes that made me think she was planning something.

"Is everything okay?" I asked her.

"No, actually. Everything is not okay." She stood up and walked over to me. "There isn't enough water in here."

My suspicions proved to be right. She was planning something.

She lifted her hand and positioned the glass over my head before turning it upside-down. The water spilled out all over my head and shoulders.

"Anything you want to say to me? I know this whole," she motioned her hand up and down my body. "Nice girl act is a lie. I'm not that stupid."

I just stood still, seething with anger. 'I really shouldn't fight with her. I need this job,' I thought. Well, if I can't do something, I can say something, and I did just that. "You know what, Azula? Fuck you."

I turned around and walked out without giving her a second glance. Even though I didn't get to see the look on her face, I'm pretty sure it was one of hate. If there's one thing Azula can't stand, it's when someone talks back to her.

I kept walking until I found myself outside by the small pond. Letting out a tired and frustrated sigh, I sat down at the edge.

There was a family of turtle-ducks swimming around. "You look so happy..." I told them. I know they can't understand me, but I needed some kind of comfort. "Must be nice to have a whole family."