Courting a Prince: Book 1 (Complete)

ch. 21: Let Me Protect You pt. 1

That kid is a fucking dumbass! Well, maybe not really, but he's kind of cruel in a way. He left a village to burn! A village full of non-benders, and children! Sure the Kyoshi village has skilled warriors, but they can only do so much to protect their homes. I know he's after the Avatar, but to go this far for one child is just...fuck... I blame the fire lord.

Of course, I wasn't just going to let the village burn, which is why I'm in trouble.

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Zuko stares at me with a strict gaze only caretakers should have. "What was the one thing I told you to do!?" He asked angrily.

I wince, but answer knowing he's right to be mad. "D-don't leave the ship?"

"That's right, and what did you do?"

"I...left the shi-"

He interrupts me, "You left the ship! After I expressly told you not to! You could've gotten injured, what were you thinking!?"

I shrink back and just endure his angry lecture.

Yeah, I left the ship to put out the fire on the Island, so what? Should I have just let it burn? All those homes? No way!

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The Prince lectured me for a good, maybe half an hour, before letting me off. Damn hypocrite-

Anyway, we're now following the path the Avatar took. Zuko never explained anything about his search for the Avatar, but since I already know, it doesn't matter to me. I have to pretend like I don't know so that he doesn't become too suspicious.

The crew just accepted the fact that I'm here and treat me as if I'm one of the few in charge. After my lecture, they attempt to comfort me, thinking that I'd feel hurt.

"Sorry, May. He's always been rough around the edges." One of the crew members sigh, gently patting my shoulder.

"Yeah, who does he think he is, yelling at a cute girl like that!" The second one shakes his head as if he's been disappointed.

I put on one of my cutest smiles for them, and speak in a sing song voice, "Right? He yelled at such an adorable little thing like it was nothing, he's so mean!" I fake pout, narrowing my eyes just a little.

They swoon, which I always find adorable, and smile right back at me.

"Oh May, if you weren't who you are we'd probably think you were annoying." The third chuckles, not bothering to hide his pink cheeks.

I laugh, dropping the pout but leaving the cute smile. "Sweetie, I think I'm annoying. Old habits die hard I guess."

The crew members nod simultaneously, some starting to list their habits they still haven't gotten over. Mostly it's something like a food they can't dislike, or an odd motion they do when nervous. Pretty basic stuff.

I can't seem to stop acting, so I guess I fit right in.

And so now, I'm officially/unofficially a member of the crew! Even though I'm in the same level of authority as the Prince, I'm more sociable and friendly than he is- so I guess I'm like the little sister of the crew?

Is that how that works??