Within Shadows (Zuko x Reader)

Chapter 2

Over time, you had grown to get better and slowly started to start talking to everyone once again. Growing closer with Zuko, Tai Lee and Mai and sort of Azula as well. Though unfortunately, that meant that things around the palace have seemed to be growing more tense. Between the war getting worse, Ursa had gone missing one night with Zuko frantically looking for her. Iroh's son had died in battle, causing him to end his plans to take over Ba Sing Se. It didn't seem like things were beginning to shape up for the Fire Nation thus far. Right now though, you have been called by the Fire Lord and you currently stood in front of him. "I must say, (Y/n). You've definitely proven you are loyal to this nation." Ozai mused.

"Of course, my Lord. You've provided me with everything I need and I couldn't be more thankful. Had I not been caught that day I... I don't know where I'd be." You spoke truthfully.

"Mmm yes. Well I'm going to have high ranking militants here in about an hour from now. I need you to be here to serve them food and tea. Anything they may need during this meeting. Understood?" He demanded from behind the flames.

"Understood, my Lord. I will tidy myself up as quick as I can." You gave one last bow before getting dismissed. You rushed to your room to tidy up your hair and put on nicer clothes. Once done, you made way to the kitchen to grab the cart that had both tea and food on it and rolled it into the main room where some guest were already being held. You placed an empty tea cup in front of the guest already there. Your nerves hitting you as you could feel their eyes burn into your form. As more guest arrive and even surprisingly Zuko arrived, you were taken by surprise a little but tried your best not to show it. Instead you sent the boy a smile. "Prince Zuko, would you like me to get you a cup for tea?" You offered politely.

"Yes, please." He replied just as politely. You gave a small nod and served the other guest their tea first before getting Zuko his cup. You looked through the cabinets and found a cup that you thought would suit Zuko and made your way back to the main room. Though flinched a little at the pleading voice.

"We can't sent them out there! Those troops are all new recruits! They wouldn't stand a chance out there!" Zuko... You still made your way over and poured tea into the cup.

"You dare disrespect his strategy?" Ozai's voice boomed out. You placed the cup in front of Zuko and was quick to move away and stand by the cart.

"No. I just want what's best for the fire nation-"

"For such in insult to not only the general but to me as well, I demand that you must do an Agni Kai for your punishment." Ozai had interrupted. Your heart hammered in your chest at these words.

"Fine. I'll do it." Zuko agreed. Making your eyes widen at his words though you remained quiet. Afraid that you'd be next to be punished severely.

"Good. Your match will begin later today. Have (Y/n) go with you to prepare." Ozai spoke sharply. With that, you followed Zuko out the door and once the two of you were our of ear shot and into his room you punched him in the arm.

"Ow! Wh-"

"What were you thinking?!" You whisper yelled at the young boy. Your eyes wild with disbelief while he rubbed his arm from the pain of the punch. "Why on earth would you speak up like that?! Were you even supposed to be there to begin with?!"

"Look I couldn't just sit there and let those people die! What do you want me to do?" Zuko argued back while you grabbed the appropriate clothes for Agni Kai.

"Oh I don't know. Maybe keep your mouth shut and let them do their thing?!" You snapped and harshly threw the clothes at him. "Maybe then you wouldn't have gotten in trouble and have to fight a general for crying out loud!"