Chapter Text
The first time he sees her it's only for a moment; she's a pale figure against the night. It rains when she arrives -- a soft sort of rain, the kind which blurs the world at its edges. Red Fire Nation lanterns cast their light into the darkness, yet it's but an echo, devoured by the hungry shadows.
He has spent more time than he wishes to admit, brushing his fingers to his face, worrying about his scar. What other prince is as damaged? What woman deserves a disfigured man?
Zuko peers downward from his window. She's too far, just a faintly green shape way down by the castle entrance, there aren't any features to discern. He wonders, does she find the magnitude, the might, of Fire Nation architecture impressive? Does she admire the beautiful red lights that dot the city? Have the walls of Ba Sing Se already bored her of tall buildings?
Then, Zuko thinks she glances up for a moment -- she's still too far, but it's enough to convince him. He quickly sinks back into his chamber, heart racing.
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The second time is in the main hall; they're both dressed up from head to toe, she in so many layers of kimono fabric that he wonders if she can still move, and him in the full, prestigious, traditional armor of his nation. Zuko knows they're separated by a sea of people, each of them at an opposite wall, but he can't help wishing that she notices the intricate dragon pattern etched into the red metal covering his chest. Can't help hoping she finds him stunning.
The green of her kimono cuts through the red hues of the castle. Her black hair flows over her shoulders, contrasts the light colors of her garment. He wants to see her up close.
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There's talk of rebellion in the Fire Nation colonies, which concerns the Fire Lord. The Earth Kingdom is still its own entity, but a lot of control links back to him, so when he arranges for the princess to marry his son there isn't much protest.
A child of the two of them would have the right to both thrones. He needs that child, Ozai knows, to tranquilize the colonies.