Chapter Text
“Princess Katara! Please wait!” A servant called for Princess Katara of the Southern Water Tribe Kingdom as she was running through the halls in less than official attire for a princess.
Katara, who is dressed like a normal citizen, a blue parka with heavy fur and a hood, while wearing some black garb under it with training boots, looked back at the servant. “If you want me to wait, you have to catch me first.” She smirked as she then glanced at a window and used her momentum to jump out of it.
The servant gasps loudly as they made it to the window, only to see that Katara had bent some water to make a slide out of the window and fall to the ground with style. She looked up at the window and smirked. “See ya,” she smirked as she then took off over the gardens of the palace and hurried on top of the ice hut rooftops.
“Guards! Someone call for the guards!” one of the servants exclaimed.
Unbeknownst to them, there was someone already in pursuit of Princess Katara. They had climbed the wall and managed to get on top to get a full view of the palace grounds and of where Katara was going. Fit as he managed to climb the wall with ease while wearing a light version of the blue parkas that most of the Southern Water tribe people would be using, while it was embroidered with some red flames in the fringes and part of the belt he wore.
Raven black hair was half pulled back, but some bits of braided hair were hanging from the side of his face, most of them to show honor and bravery as any good warrior of the tribes, as it swayed in contrast to the red and pink scar on the man’s left side of his face. Golden eyes narrowed on the princess as he caught sight of her and began to speed off after her.
Meanwhile, Katara felt proud that she managed to get away from the servants and reach the walls before the other guards came. “Finally! I managed to outsmart them!” She said as she kept running.
“Is that so?” A voice yelled behind her.
Katara gasped as she turned around to see the man from before following her across the rooftops. He was closing in on her as she used waterbending to reach a safer location. “Give it a rest, Zuko! You are not going to catch me!” She yelled back.
“Is that a challenge, princess?” He yelled back as he managed to close in before hand, but now was looking at her from across the street.
Katara smirked. “Shall we make it a challenge?” She stopped and stood there, feeling confident in herself that she had managed to get his attention.
Zuko smirked. “The usual?” He asked as he put a hand to his hip and cocked his head to the side.
“Usual,” she smirked back.
“Then, better get running as the guards are coming,” he confirmed as he pointed at some guards that were finally catching up to them. Some of them were water benders as they managed to get to the rooftop and close in.
Katara smirked as she bent a huge block of snow toward Zuko, who reacted quickly. He sent a blast of fire on the snow, which created a lot of steam. Enough coverage for Katara to make her daring escape. Zuko stood and waited a moment for the steam to clear before looking to the men. “She escaped! Fan out and find the princess!”
“Yes, sir!”
The rest of the guards began to disperse and tried to find Princess Katara before she escaped again. Zuko, on the other hand, waited a moment before he slipped away from their view. He looked around, then he saw a little trail of steam that was lingering on purpose in the air. He chuckled.
“Watch out, Katara, time is running out.”
~~
Katara was huffing as she maneuvered through the streets of her kingdom and alleyways to avoid being seen by the guards, but also put more distance between her and Captain of the Guards Zuko. She enjoyed this game of theirs, but this time, she was determined to win over him, as there was something she needed to get in the market. And it was more important that she went to get it personally than having a servant get it.
Which is one of the many woes of being born a princess of the Southern Water tribe. Something her friend Yue of the Northern Water tribe understood. It is not that she doesn’t understand her role as a princess, but she would have rathered been just a regular waterbender than be cooped up inside all day; or have to find ways to bend the rules while still following the desires of her family, well, mostly the council.
Even so, Katara wanted to get out as soon as possible, and now was the best time when the elders were discussing something and they did not want to be interrupted. And her father was out as well, so there was a slight chance for her to escape without notice. That was until a servant called for her disappearance, and she had to act quickly.
Now, all she needed was to just avoid getting caught. Katara peeked around and then gasped as she saw Zuko, skulking around close to the alleyway that she was hiding in. She covered her mouth and tried to stay quiet.
‘Damn firebenders and their heat sensing,’ Katara thought. She knew Zuko could sense heat. That was the downside of having a captain of the guards who was an element that practically looks for heat when he can. She tried to slow her heart rate because she would need to book it if he found her.
She peered around to check if he had moved on. When Katara saw that he was not around anymore, she got instantly nervous and tried to look around. Then, with only a moment to react, Katara managed to find that Zuko was above her and falling now, most likely to catch her and land on her to pin her.
But Katara was quick as she ducked and dodged out of the way and used the snow to tumble her back into a ready formation to fight if needed.
Zuko straightened up and smirked. “Nice move,” he said.
“Nice trick, you have been practicing,” Katara commented.
“Well, I have a great bending teacher to thank for that,” he said as he stepped closer. “Shall we keep this game going or you going to admit defeat?” He asked.
Katara scoffed. “In your dreams, fire boy!” She exclaimed, then managed to turn around and run into another alley.
Zuko chuckled as he followed her in close pursuit. “Never make it easy, do you, my princess?”
“Since when have I made it easy for anyone?” She yelled back, trying to lose him as she took some sharp turns and corners, but Zuko is always a few steps away from her.
“Heh, fair, but you forget something, my princess,” he managed to say as he came right behind her as they ran down a narrow path.
“Oh yeah? What is that?” She turned back for a second.
Zuko smirked as he shot some fire to heat the snow, which turned to slush. Katara realized what had happened in the split second that she noticed it and tried to waterbend over it; but Zuko was already using his flame at his feet to propel himself and catch her midway through the air. He managed to hold her in his embrace, princess style, as he looked down at her. Golden eyes sparkling with a mischievous grin on his face.
“You can’t help but look at me when we are talking,” he whispered to her.
Katara looked up at him as she turned a shade red, being held by Zuko like this. She crossed her arms and pouted a moment, even if it was not dignified of a princess to pout. “You cheated.”
“Hmm, maybe, but you admitted it yourself,” he said as he placed her down. “You don’t make it easy. So, I have to improvise.”
“Still…” Katara was about to say more before she heard the guards were closing in on them. She sighed. Their conversation was a bit too loud, and the yelling at each other might not have helped either.. She looked at Zuko. “I guess we should go back,” Katara said, a bit defeated at being caught and having to go back.
Zuko noticed her looking disheartened as he glanced around. He saw a pile of snow that was being set aside for building and her got an idea. He leaned into her and whispered. “You can get back at me later for this,” he whispered.
Katara was about to ask why, but was stopped as Zuko plopped her into a massive pile of snow that covered her completely. Then, Zuko walked out to the street to meet with a group of guards.
“Captain Zuko, did you see the princess?” one of them asked.
“She went towards the wall. Probably going to the outside training grounds, go after her immediately!” He ordered them.
“Yes, sir!” They replied as they hurried out to the training grounds - which Zuko knew was almost a two-hour ride alone to get there on polar bear tigers or polar bear dogs alone. He stood there for a moment to see if any more guards were around before calling out to the pile of snow behind him.
“Coast is clear, you can come out now,” he chimed, bracing for the snow.
And he was right, as a snowball landed on top of him, straightening his spine from the impact and the cold. But he only chuckled as he quickly dried off, looking toward his princess. Katara had gotten out of her hiding spot and shuddered a little as she bent away any water or snow lingering on her. Zuko turned to her as he smirked and then came over to take her hands into his.
“My princess, you are shivering,” he said in a loving tone as he brought his lips to her fingers and breathed on them for her. “Is there anything this humble fire bender guard can do for you to make up for his transgressions against you?”
Katara was pouting more at first for being dropped like some throw rug, but then she smiled as she loved it when he called her that, and then curled her fingers around his. “Well,” her voice was regal and proper, much like a princess should sound like, “since you asked, I would like for you to give me a hug. I have heard Firebenders are the best with giving warm hugs to keep warm.”
“Really?” Zuko smirked again as he kissed her knuckles playfully before he opened his arms to her. “Where did you hear that?”
“From my favorite firebender guard of all time,” Katara smiled as she then wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him.
Zuko gave a hearty chuckle when she hugged him. “This firebender is smart,” Zuko said as he hugged her back.
They stood there for a moment, enjoying each other’s embrace, before Zuko leaned down and kissed her cheek. “You know we’ll get in trouble for this,” he reminded her.
“Only if you report me or if we get caught,” Katara said as she kissed his cheek back and smiled. “Are you planning on doing either of those?”
“I may be captain of the royal guards, but I will always be your personal knight. You know I can’t say no to you,” he assured her as he then kissed her lips softly. “But I can at least keep you safe while you are doing whatever it is you need to do that required you to make a whole show of your escape from the palace.”
Katara was a little flustered, but she nodded as she leaned into him more. “You noticed, huh?”
“Usually, you are much quieter about when you want to sneak off, and usually ask for me to cover for you,” Zuko commented as he rubbed her head softly. “Besides, you know I can’t take my eyes off of you, even if I have to.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek to make her redder in the face because he could.
“Zukooo,” Katara let out a mock groan but smiled at his antics before pulling away. “Well, since you are here, might as well have you follow me. But first,” Katara pulled out a bundle of clothes that she had hidden under her parka and gave him something to pull over his uniform and cover his face. “Don’t want to be too obvious that the Captain of the Guard is walking alone with a mysterious stranger looking like the princess and get caught… again.”
“Heh, not my fault that you wanted to wear something lighter when I said you needed to wear something that would not draw attention,” Zuko remembered when that happened and how he told her they needed to cover their heads. Especially since his scar was noticeable to most of the Southern Water Tribe people.
“But I wanted to enjoy a date with you; we rarely get to do anything while in the palace,” Katara lamented as Zuko laughed a little at her.
“Alright, alright, I get it. If it is a date that you want, then we shall have it,” Zuko said as he pulled the parka over his uniform and pulled the hood over his head. “But I am curious as to what was so important for you to run out like this instead of having someone go get it for you.”
“It’s a secret till we get there,” Katara smiled as she pulled her hood and face mask up to cover herself. “So ready to go?”
“Ready, my princess,” Zuko said as he pulled a face mask up and then offered his arm for her to take it.
Katara felt her cheeks warm as she took his arm and held on to it happily as they walked out toward the market.
~~
“It’s here!” Katara squealed with delight over the sight of something in the shop! “Oh, thank Tui and La! I have been waiting ages for more of these.”
Zuko, meanwhile, was just standing there, staring at the box of pepper flakes, sizzle crisps, and fire gummies that had recently been put in the shop that they were visiting. He blinked at them in confusion before turning to Katara. “This was what you had to rush out for?”
“I know it’s silly to rush, but I wanted to get them fresh off the boat. They taste so much better than having to wait,” she said. “Besides, we have been getting fewer and fewer of these goods, so I want to get them before they run out again.”
“I guess,” Zuko said as he sighed. “Well, if you want it, let’s get a few boxes worth then.”
“Really?” Katara asked as she beamed with excitement.
“If that is what you want, then I can’t argue.” Zuko’s face was covered, but his eyes smiled at her to affirm that so long as she was happy, he was happy. “Besides, like you said, it has been a while since we have had any of these.”
“Exactly, so I had to hurry and make sure we got some before it was too late. It has been almost four months since we got new things from the Fire Nation.”
“She is right, it has been difficult to get goods from there as of late,” the shopkeeper said as they were getting boxes for them to take.
“Why?” Katara asked as she looked at the shopkeeper, confused by that comment.
“Didn’t you hear the news? There have been rumors going around about an uprising happening. The people are getting fed up with Fire Lord Ozai’s demands and even some of his treatment towards his subjects,” they said. “Making it difficult to get certain items without paying an arm and a leg for them. Other news is that he is looking to expand his territory. It is crazy times out there.”
“I see,” Katara said as she glanced at Zuko.
It was difficult to see with all the fur and the mask covering his face, but Katara could tell she was about to lose him to the past when any news of the Fire Nation was brought up. He was doing his best to keep his face neutral about it, but Katara could just feel it in his body language that he was tense. Especially the news about Fire Lord Ozai. If it did bother him, it was hard to say, as he began getting boxes of the treats she liked and looked for a cart or bag for him to carry them. She figured it would be better to ask him about it later when they were alone.
“Well, we will need to make it count then for a while,” she said as she went to pay for it.
Zuko watched her pay and nodded, still deep in thought about something.
Once they got what they wanted and put it on a sled to pull, Katara and Zuko walked peacefully through the bustling market of the Southern Water Tribe sea port. They walked in silence for a little while before Katara nudged Zuko’s arm as he was pulling the sled.
Zuko seemed lost in thought as he kept walking, but kept a steady pace with Katara. Katara watched him as she nudged him again, this time with a little more pressure. Zuko blinked as he looked at her.
“What?” He asked.
“You were quiet for a long time,” she said as she looked at him.
“Oh, right,” Zuko shook his head to return his focus to his princess. “Sorry, I was just thinking.”
“About the past?” She asked as she looped her arm around his to stay by his side.
Zuko sighed before he nodded. “A little. Just worried about some people back home is all.”
Katara gripped his arm as she could hear the pain in his words. Although he would rarely talk about it, Zuko would always get sentimental when it came to his homeland. And no matter what Katara would say or do, he would shut down when she asked about it or avoid talking about it. In their rarer moments when they finally became closer, he managed to open up about being banished and having to leave his home in a hurry. And how he felt for the longest time that he was a failure to his nation and people. But that was all Zuko ever felt comfortable saying.
Over time, with her help, Katara could see him become more confident and happier, no longer seeing himself as a failure; at least not in her eyes, which gave him the courage to rise ranks and be Captain of the Royal Southern Water Tribe Guards. But there was still some part of Katara that wondered if he ever missed his home, and if he could, would he go back?
“Do you still miss your home?” She asked because she felt like she had to, even if she might have already known the answer.
Zuko glanced down at her as he stopped, then pulled her close as he smiled at her with his eyes. The fur of their hoods allowed them to feel like they were in their own world. “I might miss the people back in the nation I was born, but now, this city, the people here… you; you are my home. And I will protect it with all my heart, body, and soul.”
Katara looked at him softly and could feel her cheeks turn red under her face mask. She smiled with her eyes, too, before leaning in to kiss his lips over the masks. “Always so corny,” she said.
“Yet, you still love it.” He whispered to her.
They stood happily before suddenly hearing a royal messenger hurrying past them. Katara turned as she looked in the direction they were heading. It was toward the palace.
She sighed. “That cannot be good.”
Zuko sighed with her as he gripped the sled of goods. “We should probably hurry. Paku will have my head if he finds us out like this.”
“He is not that bad,” Katara said as she faked trying to plead her step-grandfather’s case.
Zuko raised his eyebrow at her as they both snorted a laugh.
“Okay, okay, fair. And I will not hear the end of it, either,” Katara said as she smiled and leaned her hip against Zuko’s waist. “Shall we speed this along then?”
Zuko smiled as he then grabbed Katara’s waist as well and kissed her cheek. “Ready when you are, my princess.”
Katara smiled as she began to bend the snow around them to help move faster through the crowd. Zuko held on to the sled and onto her as Katara did most of the work. The crowd was watching in awe of the action unfolding before them.
~~
In the grand study room of the Southern Water Tribe King, Prince Sokka was pacing as he was deep in thought. Usually, he would be deep in thought about new strategies and plans for the Southern Water Tribe armies and waterbenders to allow them good protection for their home. But this kind of pacing was different than normal. Especially as he was gripping a letter from the other nations that seemed to have something written with urgency about something. All of them have one topic in mind.
With his father out far on the out-of-city training ground and Katara deciding to pull another escape stunt, he was the only acting royal who was able to get this urgent news. And this was certainly something he was not ready for, nor anyone else he could think of would be ready for this. Well, maybe Paku, but that was different.
Still, all Sokka could do was pace and stew over how he was going to explain the situation to whomever came into the throne room.
“This definitely is not going to go over well,” he said as he paced more. “I mean, we all knew this was going to happen. But seriously, this is going to be a pain. And with Katara… Spirits, this is going to be difficult to convince her of this.”
In the corner, a moose snow leopard was napping beside the throne. But it woke up when Sokka was talking to himself and decided to watch. Not minding the conversation as Sokka looked at the beast.
“Maybe this will not be so bad. I can try to shape it like an honor.” He paused as he tried to think about how to say it before realizing that his sister would not fall for it. “Who am I kidding? Katara is not that gullible to believe it is an honor. And Zuko would certainly have my head for even thinking that I could say that to her. But it is not like I can take over; there are not many princesses … and Suki already agreed to my proposal. So, it has to be this way.”
Sokka brought a hand to his face as he rubbed his temple in search of a solution. “Tui and La, why must the spirits torment me?”
“Torment you how?” A familiar voice asked as Katara walked into Sokka’s view. She looked like she was still in her getaway attire and did not have time to change before someone ushered her into the room. Zuko was not too far behind Katara as he always accompanied her wherever she went. Sokka did not mind as much as he had gotten used to Katara and Zuko being practically attached to the hip once he became her personal guard, and they became close friends.
But now he wondered how that friendship would be tested after this news. As Sokka turned to Katara with an exaggerated look. “You know how! Running off into the streets like that, causing a scene as you run out, and causing the guards to chase after you, and then disappearing with your knight over there like it was no big deal.”
Zuko looked away because he was not as innocent as either, but did not want to be brought into whatever Sokka was about to rip into. But he stayed put as Katara rolled her eyes. “Oh, please, Sokka, it was just a little run to the market. It was not like the castle was on fire without me.”
“Well, it might be soon,” he muttered as he sighed and went to lean against the window to catch his breath.
Katara realized something was up as he watched Sokka look perplexed about what to do or what to say. Katara rarely saw him like this. And when she did, it was usually with grave or troubling news. “Sokka, what happened?”
Zuko could see it in Sokka’s hand as he stiffened as he gripped the note. But Zuko cleared his throat. “Princess, if I may speak,” he asked.
Katara did not need to turn as she knew Zuko was going to talk anyway, but had to follow the protocols of their roles. “You may,” she said.
“I think I see the culprit of your brother’s grievances,” Zuko eyed the note, then looked at Sokka. “A note of some kind.”
Katara looked at Zuko before she glanced back at Sokka and saw the nervous glances between her and Zuko as Sokka tried to hide the note behind his back further. Katara felt her annoyance grow more. “Enough dancing around this, Sokka, tell me. What is going on?”
Sokka, realizing he had no other choice, sighed as he pulled it out and handed it to her. “I am sure you would have heard sooner, better from me than the council or father.”
Katara’s heart sank a moment as she took the note from Sokka’s hand.
It was an official notice of their Northern Water Tribe requesting a meeting about strengthening relationships with their sister nation. But she began to read the letter and its full content.
“King Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe,”
“It is with great urgency that we discuss the need to strengthen our connection as sister water tribes against an imposing threat coming out of the Fire Nation. Due to imperial strain on the Fire Nation and constant threats of the Fire Lord starting a war, the council of the world leaders surmised it would be wise to act now to prepare for any potential war that could come from this rise of activity from this nation.
While we are aware that this would mean some changes, we understand that having stronger connections than before would be imperative to the efforts. So, the world leaders would like to discuss the proposition of an arranged marriage with your princess, Princess Katara, with one of the nations to promote unity and show camaraderie between the nations and stand in solidarity.
We are sending out a letter in advance to discuss possible marriage options –“
“Marriage?!?!” Katara yelled that part loud enough to cause an echo in the room.
It was loud enough that Sokka had to cover his ears from the sound, while Zuko was taken aback by the mere word of it. “Marriage?! What is the meaning of this? Why are they even thinking of arranging a marriage?”
“I don’t know! The North just sent this in. And about two other birds came in as well, this one was directed from the North, so I just opened it to see if it was regular business that dad did not need to bother with,” Sokka told her. “I am just as confused and lost as you are about this.”
“The council cannot be serious about this?! Marriage, no. And arranged marriage! Has the world gone mad?”
“I wish I knew! I had asked Suki, but it seemed like a while ago that things were looking dicey with Fire Nation ships creeping into territories of their own. And that was a week ago, who knows what else is happening around the world?”
“Has the council been informed?”
“Not yet, but I would not be surprised if the North decided to be sneaky and send another one before the official leaders council,” Sokka mentioned.
“They cannot be serious! This is ridiculous!” Katara seethed as she looked at the letter again.
Katara could not believe that she was being asked to marry someone that she not only did not know but would not know anything about her, and would be accepting an arranged marriage with her. And worst of all, Katara knew the council would want this. They have been looking for a way for Katara to be more focused on the kingdom and take over leadership after Sokka gave up the crown to marry Suki, Captain of the Kyoshi Warriors, and a neighboring island not too far from the main territories of the Southern Water Tribe.
It is the connection between Suki and Sokka that allows the Southern Water Tribe to be made aware of the movement of the Fire Nation as of late. Especially with the civil unrest getting worse than it initially seemed.
Speaking of Fire Nation, Katara was so focused on herself that she did not even think about Zuko for a moment. She realized he had been quiet for a while. As she turned to him, Katara could see he was not taking the news too well.
While Zuko had grown to be able to control his expression on the surface after coming and training, Katara knew all too well he was fuming, natural for any fire bender. Fist clenched tightly, jaw wired and tight, heavy breathing that caused his chest to move – which was when he was furious. But Katara could see it in his eyes, even if his face was straight like a knight should be. He did not look at her, but the fire in Zuko’s eyes was intense.
Like a dragon about to breathe his flame in fury.
As for why, Katara did not get a chance to ask him before there was a knock at the door. Katara, Zuko, and Sokka looked at the door before they all straightened up. Sokka cleared his throat. “Who is it?”
“Excuse me, but the king is about to- “
“No need,” a voice came as he walked in with a grand presence.
The doors opened to show King Hakoda with Lord Bato beside him, as they both looked like they had just gotten back as well. He saw the note in Katara's hand as he sighed and looked at her, who was trembling while trying to look proper.
He raised his hand to the servants to close the door and leave them be. They did so, and once shut, Katara hurried to her father. “Father, tell me you did not know about this. Tell me that you did not know they were looking to talk about this?”
Hakoda looked at her as he sighed and then glanced at Bato, who looked displeased, too.
“I had gone in your father's stead and was there at some of the meetings. I tried to deter them, but without your father there to speak on your behalf, the rest of the world seemed to be in agreement with this idea. Plus, they also brought up some damning arguments that we cannot ignore the inevitable.”
Everyone’s face grew grave as they looked at Hakoda. He nodded. “We got more word about the Fire Nation navy coming closer to the shores. We were able to use water benders to deter them, but we do not know how long it will last before they retaliate, or worse.”
Katara looked on. “So, what? So, we all just agree that I have to marry someone for the sake of threatening another nation? Is that what we have to do?”
“It is only a precaution,” Bato tried to assure Katara. “It is only to boost the alliances, but it will not affect your ascension to the throne.”
“Hah, like that would stop the council,” Sokka snarked.
Everyone glared at him, but many of them were right. Queen Kanna was only allowed to rule again after she married Councilor Paku after her previous husband died. Still, after that, Kya had to marry Hakoda to be able to rule beside him as the rightful ruler. And while Hakoda did let her be the rightful ruler of the Southern Water Tribe, some of the older councilor members grumbled at the idea of a woman leading. Even though Queen Kanna still gives them whacks on the head.
But tradition is tradition, and there was only so much that could be done for that. And Katara knew what this would mean for whoever became betrothed to her.
“Dad, please,” Katara looked at him with pleading eyes. “Please tell me there is something that you can do, tell them we should delay it. I am not ready for it.”
“We have already said that many times before,” Hakoda sighed sadly as he looked at her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “The council will not be held off for much longer.”
“But… this is not fair.”
“I know, but we cannot put it off much longer,” he told her. “I am sorry.”
Hakoda tried to pull her in for a hug to comfort her, but Katara turned on her heel and hurried out the door, tossing the note to the ground with a good stomp on it before storming off.
The men of the room were only left to watch and let her go. Hakoda looked at Zuko, who was still quiet over it all, as he watched Katara leave. Hakoda knew his feelings for his daughter as he knew their relationship was close. He sighed as he looked at Zuko with a regal look.
“You should go after her,” he said.
Zuko, returning to normal as he stood tall for a moment, before processing the words from the king. “Sire, are you sure?”
“We can talk about this more later,” he said as he shook his head to the side to tell him to go. “She needs you more right now.”
Zuko nodded as he bowed to King Hakoda. “Thank you, sir,” he said. Then he hurried off to find Katara.
Then there were only three men as they all looked between each other with heavy tension still in the air over the news. Sokka tried to clear the tension with a joke, “At least the palace did not fall to the ground?”
Hakoda sighed as Bato loudly groaned. “Don’t give the princess any ideas.”