ATLA Little Bender

Betrothed

"What a moving and heartfelt performance. I'm certain Lord Ozai will understand when you explain why you betrayed him." Commander Zhao had stopped his slow clapping. The Fire Sages rose from their places on the ground and bowed their heads, palms pressed together, and facing forward. Zhao approached Elaria before he bowed. Yet he disrespected her by not going onto his knees. Elaria narrowed her eyes. 

"My wonderful Regina, it's wonderful to be graced with your presence once more." He smiled slyly at her. She wanted to retch at the sight. Elaria was right... she could see demons in his eyes. 

His whole being repulsed her.

"You know Zhao, you are supposed to bow on your knees," Elaria retorted. He smiled largely, "I'm sure that won't be necessary between us my beloved." 

What did he just call her?

"I come with news from Lord Ozai, he says he wants you to come home," Zuko upbraided behind her. Elaria couldn't see the looks of fear and pain that possessed her friends, but she could feel the ground slip from beneath her. 

She couldn't go back to the palace. Not when she needs to recuperate the Fire Nation's honor and protect her troops from the changing tide. For a moment she was ready to fight Commander Zhao. To demand safety for her friends- and for him to step off. 

Commander Zhao had turned to her cousin at his noise of displeasure. "And your Royal Grace  Zuko. It was a noble effort, but your little smokescreen didn't work. Two traitors in one day,  Lord Ozai will be pleased." His smirk made her temper flare. 

She wanted nothing more than to be able to wipe that smirk off his face; her muscles tensed- impulses firing. The sudden invasion of her mentor made her breath still-

You are not ready yet. The woman told her. 

Elaria took in a deep breath. 

She bit her tongue as he continued to talk to her. "Some exciting news came from the Palace as well, a new suitor has been recognized for you, should everything continue going smoothly you'll be married," Zhao grinned. An ugly vile smile that made Elaria want to puke. 

Elaria shivered. Dread building in her. "Who is this suitor?" She asked. Deep inside she prayed to the spirits that the man is a suitable son of a noble. He would most likely be someone beneficial to the crown and the son of someone close to the Royal Family...

Zhao smiled, he had an all-knowing look in his eye. "You're to meet him in the Palace upon your return. Should you want to know now however I'm more than happy to tell you." His smirk widened. She imagined his pearl teeth sharpening before they were hidden as he scowled at Zuko's interference. He ordered the six guards behind him to seize her cousin, who continued to fight them as he yelled at Zhao. 

"She still has more time on my ship!" Zuko confronted Zhao, "My father told Uncle that Elaria would be able to stay with us until the incoming Summer!" Zhao rolled his eyes annoyingly. "Which is fast approaching, Your Royal Grace," he said back bitingly. 

Zhao left Elaria's side to stand in front of Zuko, "Although you and your father already have had a stellar record of keeping her alive. Was it not you two who told me that my betrothed is sick and had returned home on her own?" He said impulsively. Any semblance of higher ground he had was lost as he attempted to cripple Zuko and establish his power over the royal member of the family. 

Gasps went around the room, Elaria felt her body tremble. No. Her Uncle wouldn't allow the council to- no. no. no. no. no.