The Fire That Grows || Zuko x Reader

♨ sticks and bones ♨

The end of the week arrived and (Y/N) sat in her throne anxiously. Her messenger page was nowhere to be seen and no one had seen the page since he left. All of the noblemen and advisors were in the gallery as they were all waiting with her. It was split down the middle the feelings that were beginning to be harbored in the room. They either wanted the union to occur in hopes for a stronger nation or deeply despised the union and wished for nothing to come of it. Some of those who were opposed would even say that discontent and rebellion was stirring in the villages at this very moment. Some of the villages never truly recovered from the war and many blamed King Ozai's father, King Azulon.

Trumpets were sounded and the wooden gate in the front of the castle was being lifted. Questions arose in the gallery as they wondered who could've come but realized who it could only be. She sat up straight in her throne and flatten out her dress. The guards who stood at the doors opened them, and a herald came in.

"King Ozai and the Royal Family have arrived! Make way!"

She watched the family walked in with their red silks and clothes that adorned them so gracefully. King Ozai had his raven hair up with a fire insignia pin placed inside his bun. In addition to his pin, a crown of gold placed on top and no other could be seen wearing a crown, not even his queen. His dark red tunic had their nation fire insignia in a burnt orange placed in the middle of his proud chest. A coat of scarlet hung his shoulders and was secured by gold flames. His trousers were simple but thick wool of the same color as the fire insignia on his chest and were held up by a black with gold embroidery belt. He had his sword sheath placed on his left hip. Eyes were cold and slit with no source of life. But his lips were curled ever so carefully to wear such a mask of promise.

He and his family approached her throne and bowed before her. Their guards followed after them and gentle music began to play in the background.

"Queen (Y/N), my family and I send our condolences in regards to the King and congratulations on your ascension to becoming Queen," King Ozai stood and everyone else came up after him. "Your message brings such promise that I thought I should just come here and discuss it with you rather than some boy traveling for days relaying my words to you."

"King Ozai, I'm glad to see you. But I do apologize as I have nothing set up for you and your family to settle down in nor a feast planned yet," (Y/N) said.

He chuckled, "Your Majesty, fret not. We're easy people to please and not picky what-so-ever. Allow us to discuss matters today and dine well tomorrow despite what decisions we come too."

"Of course. But you and your family should rest for a little while before we discuss business affairs. Please relax in the Great Hall until we get rooms set up for you and your family," (Y/N) got up and walked to her one of her ladies, Suki. She was a gentle but stern soul and dealt with much of (Y/N)'s business when it pertained to castle life. She was the second in command advisor next to Toph who was the first.

"Lady Suki, can you see that the servants serve King Ozai in the Grand Hall as I overlook their accommodations? I'll only be an hour, but I need to make this work perfectly," (Y/N) spoke in a hushed tone to her ear.

"Of course, Your Majesty," she bowed her head then stepped a foot towards the other Royal family. "If Your Majesties will follow me to our Grand Hall, I'll have some refreshments prepared and your guards can dine as well."

(Y/N) and her mother and sister began walking up the stairs to the corridors to scout out rooms to find the perfect accommodations. Their shoes clicked on the stone floor until they reached the first room.

Downstairs, Lady Suki stood at the end of the table with hands folded in front of her. The royal family before her ate silently with no conversation amongst them. Such silence discomforted her as (Y/N)'s family was livelier at dinner; they spoke of politics but nonetheless, they were livelier. Even the guards ate with no noise. It was most unnerving.