Within Shadows (Zuko x Reader)

Chapter 1

"Zuko! Why not join us!?" Azula called over as she jogged her way over to her mother and brother. Zuko's expression soured.

"No! I don't want to do stupid cartwheels!" He exclaimed in defense with his brows furrowed. Azula fake pouted and looked at Ursa.

"Come on... Please?" She begged. Ursa gave Zuko a light pat on the back.

"Oh come on. Play with your sister. We can catch up later if you'd like." She cooed. Zuko huffed and caved in.

"Ugh... Fine..." He grumbled and approached you all. You gave a small smile but hid it well. Azula grabbed Mai's hands and stood her up.

"Let's play a game, Zuko." Azula began as she picked up and apple and placed it on Mai's head. She explained what she wanted him to do and he did so, tackling Mai and having them both land in the water of the fountain. Causing you to wince at the crash. Azula laughed while Mai and Zuko's face were pure red. You sighed and went over to help Zuko up then Mai.

"You two okay?" You asked them softly. Zuko just growled and stormed off while Mai glared at Azula while wringing out her sleeves.

"Was this because you know I have a crush on Zuko?" Mai slightly hissed at Azula. Your heart sank to your toes at Mai's words though you couldn't quite figure out as to why that was. And at least now your previous question was now answered. Azula smirked.

"Oh please. I got you two close together. You should be thanking me." She bragged.

"Would you like to borrow some clothes from me and I can go ahead and dry your wet clothes, Mai?" You asked the girl feeling both guilty yet mildy jealous of her.

"Thank you. That'd be great." She replied while now wringing out her hair. You lead her to your room, passing by a complaining Zuko on your way there and noticing Mai stealing a glance at the boy before rushing to catch up with you. You entered your room and began rummaging through to find some clothes that would be suitable for her. "So... How did you end up here?" She asked you. Causing you to flinch a little.

"Uhm... I... May have tried to steal Azula's jewelry to sell to some merchant later on." You answered. Not making any sort of eye contact with her.

"Why'd you do it?" You stopped grabbing clothes and soon went back to it.

"...because my mother is sick and needs medicine. The two of us are poor and my dad took off to the military and died in battle. So... Now it's me and my mom. I stole goods to get money for medicine and a doctor in hopes of helping her but... I don't think I can help any further." You turned and handed her the clothing. "I snuck out and visited her last week... She doesn't have much time left and soon I'll just be an orphan that the fire lord picked up to be his families servant." You added. She looked saddened by your story but took the clothes.

"...Sorry to hear that..." She muttered. You let out a shrug.

"It is what it is I guess... Not everyone is lucky... Right?"

"I guess so."

"I'll leave you in here to change. Just give me your wet cloths when your done and I'll go dry them." And with that you left the room with her in it to change. Fighting back the urge to cry.

~~~

You stood outside the entrance of the throne room. Taking deep breaths and trying to build up enough courage to speak to the fire lord. You did one last exhale before finally entering and approaching the fire lord. "Bodyguard (Y/n). What brings you here?" Ozai's voice spoke with a slight sharpness to it. Once you got close enough, you bowed before him.