The Tale of Fire and Sun | Zuko x OC

Book 1- Water Chapter 1

The Fire Nation Palace.

After years of hearing about the place, I was finally there. And it was breathtaking in more ways than I imagined. It was magnificent, reflecting the centuries of glory of the Fire Nation, the greatest of the four kingdoms in the world.

But the feeling of being in a new place overcame my excitement and I clutched my mother's robes tightly.

Sensing my nervousness, she gently held my hand between hers and looked at me. "I know how you feel, but there is nothing to be nervous about. This place is our new home and I will always be by your side," she smiled.

For a moment, I felt all my uncertainty and nervousness fade away. "Thank you, mother," I hugged her.

We pulled away as we saw two people approaching us. One was a woman, with a stunning elegance. For once, I wished I was as elegant as her. The other was a boy, trailing behind the woman.

My mother immediately bowed in front of the woman. "Fire Princess Ursa! It is an honour to meet you."

I looked at her, wide-eyed. I was standing in front of the Fire Princess!

"The pleasure is mine, Lady Aiko!" She was so sweet and humble for a Fire Nation royalty. "And may I know who this little lady is?" She bent down and looked at me.

And then my years of practising etiquette kicked in. I bowed in front of the Fire Princess, "I am Yara Matsuo. It is my privilege to meet you, Fire Princess Ursa," I kept my tone as polite as possible.

"You seem more respectful and responsible for your age, Yara!" She remarked. I smiled and looked at Mother, to see her smiling proudly.

The Fire Princess then turned to the boy. "Zuko, where are your manners? It is impolite to not greet our guests."

And then it hit me. Zuko, the son of Prince Ozai and Princess Ursa of the Fire Nation!

Zuko slowly stepped forward and greeted us. "Greetings, I am Zuko, son of Ursa and Ozai. It is a pleasure to meet you." He then looked at his mother with uncertainty written all over his face. It all vanished when he saw her smiling.

"Well, the war meeting does not seem to get over any time sooner. And I assume you were not shown to your chambers..." Ursa stated and my mother smiled weakly at her. "Well then, allow me to help you to your chambers, Lady Aiko. It feels nice to have a friend around," Ursa smiled at mother.

"I-uh... that would be... " Mother stuttered before regaining her composure. "Thank you, Your Highness. I am honoured." She bowed.

"Please, Ursa will just be fine. For you too, little one. No formalities between us," she said and I nodded happily at Ursa and Zuko. Ursa's smile widened and Zuko smiled ever so slightly in return.

"Zuko, why don't you take Yara to feed the turtleducks today? It will be boring for the both of you to just watch us talking." Ursa suggested as she placed a hand on Zuko's shoulder, encouraging him.

Zuko seemed hesitant for a moment before he took off running. "Come on! You have to race me to the pond, and look! I already have a head start," he shouted, jogging at the same spot, waiting for me.

I was both surprised and shocked at his sudden change in behavior. I looked at my mother for approval, to see her smile and nod at me.

I immediately sprinted after him. "Just wait till I wipe that smirk off your face," I shouted back, chasing after him.