Destiny is a Funny Thing (Zutara)

Routine

Katara 

The routine of taking care of Azula and Zuko became simple enough. I avoided the garden the next night, however. I didn't need to interact with Zuko if he was going to blow my cover, even if he did have information that was valuable. Azula knew I was not leaving due to her endless odd requests, so she seemed to have changed her focus to other servants who would provide her entertainment. Zuko asked for almost nothing. He simply secluded himself in his room unless it was for meetings or training. In the early evening I would watch as dozens of people stood outside the courtyard, oohing and aaahing at murderers. I grimaced. I have been able to keep my anger in check but it becomes difficult when I see the royal family being idolized in this way. Watching Zuko and Azula train was a terrifying sight to behold. I leaned onto a nearby pillar, holding a towel and waiting for them to be finished. Azula's fire was blue. The fire came out of her like it was an extension of her being. Her anger and confidence making the fire that much brighter and bluer. Zuko seemed much more restrained. He had a talent for bending. But his skill seemed to come from pure determination and focus. I looked down at my hands. My stubbornness got me Master Pakku to teach me. Zuko and I seem to have that in common. As the training ended, I approached each with a towel. Azula took it without a second glance and continued talking with her instructor. Zuko took it from my hand and looked directly at me. 

"You didn't come to the pond last night." He didn't seem sad or angry, just stating a fact. 

"Um. Yes, well, I had some of Azula's laundry to do so I didn't have time." I muttered before realizing Zuko had just called me a bad liar the other night. Zuko flashed a look of.. sadness? I couldn't be sure but before I could tell his face went back to his neutral frowning one.

 "Okay, well, come tonight then." He stated. I felt my face get hot. 

"Why?" I shouldn't have asked but his request was odd, too. 

"Because if I talk to a servant, they have no room to judge me." I couldn't help but grimace. 

"I'm glad my company means that much to you, your highness." I let some of my sarcasm slip through and it was met with a small smile from Prince Zuko. As Zuko walked away I caught Azula looking at us with curiosity for only a moment before turning back to her conversation. Azula doesn't miss anything it seems. 

"Oh I am so excited about the party tomorrow! But remember Zuko must not know." Another servant girl whispered to Okuye. As I was walking towards Azula's room with her clean laundry I overheard their conversation.

Okuye waved her hand in disregard. "I know, I know. I just think its weird Azula would throw a surprise party for her brother, especially when it coincides with the anniversary of Sozin's Comet"

"We don't even know what happened that night, it could all be under Fire Lord Ozai's plan to continue helping the fire nation people." 

"Maybe. Regardless everyone will be there. Azula even got Lord Ozai to make an appearance" 

"How exciting! I will be sure to make the hotcakes extra delicious."

I continued walking, with an idea forming in my mind. If everyone is going to be at Zuko's party tomorrow night, I could explore parts of the palace that might usually be off-limits. The throne room. That would be the perfect opportunity to take anything of value in there. If the information is helpful enough, I could even escape and return home, with either information to ease the chief's worry of a quickly approaching attack or plans on how to counter them. I breathed. Alright. Tomorrow night I'll make my move. 

I found Zuko that night leaning against a tree, looking aimlessly at the duck pond. I approached hesitantly. This meeting will go a lot more smoothly. He leeched information about myself two nights ago, but I was determined to do the same to him tonight. 

"Good evening, your highness. Might I ask why you are always here at night? A prince needs good rest." I said. 

Zuko groaned. "I haven't been able to sleep much for a while now. I'm used to it. And my mother and I used to feed turtle ducks here when I was little, so merely a place to reminisce." I wanted to laugh. He misses his mother but little did he know my mother died because of his family's orders. But Zuko was too young to have made that order, but I'm sure at his age he's made enough decisions that have killed countless people. The way Zuko looked sadly into the water did look similar to how I have been missing my family. 

"You miss your mother," I said softly.  Zuko nodded. 

"I miss her and... yes I miss my mother." I nodded in understanding. Here I was, about to give more information away. But I needed Prince Zuko to trust me so that he may reveal more about his family

"My mother died, too. Every day it fills me with anger and sadness." I mumbled. I felt tears well up so I covered my face with my arm. I cannot let the prince of the fire nation see me cry. I missed Sokka. Moments here feel dull and all I need right now is Sokka cheering me up and encouraging me to do my best. 

"I'm sorry," Zuko said. I moved my arm in confusion. 

"No need to apologize, your highness." I breathed, trying to push down any urge of crying I have. 

"Well, I'm still sorry." He whispered. We sat in silence. I stayed standing awkwardly as Zuko returned to looking at the pond. I knew I needed to break the silence. 

"So, I heard it's your birthday tomorrow." As I said this Zuko grimaced. "My birthday. Yea. Not that it matters."

"I heard your birthday was on the same day as Sozin's comet. It must be an honor." Zuko frowned at my words as if I had attacked him with what I had said. 

"An honor. More like a curse." Zuko mumbled, almost in a trance, thinking to something far away from us. 

"Why?" I questioned, leaning in further. I could learn what happened that day I could learn even more valuable--

"You know what? I'm done talking for tonight. Please leave me." Zuko said, looking at the ground with newfound annoyance. 

"I'm sorry if that was a touchy subject I-"

"I said LEAVE. Do not think that me talking to you is an excuse for you to ask inappropriate comments" Zuko barked. I wanted to yell back at him. I wanted to yell at him for all the awful things his family has done. I wanted to drown him in his mother's pond he's so fond of. But I just bowed and briskly walked to my room. I let the hot tears flow down my face this time. No one could see me or tell me I am weak. I can cry here, by myself, because the royal family will not get the pleasure to see how much they hurt me.