The Mistress of the Fire Lord

Chapter 01 - The Training Grounds

There's a saying in my people that "one shall not desire what belongs to another". I should have paid more attention to it. I used to think I didn't belong there, that I was some sort of outcast, but diplomacy has its needs and I've always wanted to travel. That's how I ended up in the fire nation. Being accomplished in arts and in hosting people, it was natural to pick me to serve at the Palace. It was not difficult for me to learn the etiquette there and adapt well to the place. I didn't use to see the Fire Lord or his wife often, except in some public ceremonies.

Life was simpler then, and I had no idea. 

It all changed on a cloudy day. I was outside, on one of the corners the training field, practicing my waterbending. It had rained some hours before, so I could use the puddles there, and it was pretty empty. I hardly had any time off, so I couldn't miss an opportunity to keep my abilities sharp, not to mention that becoming one with the water was somehow relaxing. Even the toughest routines would help me to center my head. 

The changes in the lighting was what called my attention - that's when I turned my back and saw him: the Fire Lord himself, wearing only his black pants and with his hair on a ponytail, practicing with some soldiers. My heart skipped a beat - I have never seen anything so wild, so untamed, yet so controlled. The water that was floating around me just fell on a splash. And that was what called their attention.

I felt myself sink when all four of them looked at me in unison. I immediately bowed:

-- I am sorry. I didn't mean to bother your practice. I'm leaving now.

-- Stay, girl -- I heard one of the soldiers say while I passed close to them, in the direction of the exit -- I wouldn't mind seeing you show your tricks. It's not common to see waterbenders here. What do you do at the Palace? 

-- I am just a hostess, I shouldn't be here, I am sorry. -- I bowed again. 

-- I might pay you a visit, then. -- my face was getting hotter and I just wanted to leave, but I didn't feel like I could, so I continued there, as if pinned to the training grounds, looking down.

-- Stop bothering the girl -- I heard another voice saying. -- You are welcome at practicing any time you find the grounds empty. Is that OK for you?

I looked up to meet his eyes. The Fire Lord's eyes, staring straight at me, probably for the first time. I felt embarrassed, because I was unkempt after the training, but I could manage a nod before finally getting my nerves for asking, with a small voice:

-- Can I leave now, my Lord?

-- You don't have to, but you are allowed to go. 

With a farewell bow, I left, while hearing whispers behind me.