Zuko wiped the sweat from his forehead and moved around the bag, giving it another punch. He had found himself spending hours in the little training room trying to get his mind off of the water tribe girl that lay unconscious in the infirmary. It didn't make any sense. Onigata had said that all the girl's vitals were in perfect order, in fact they were better than they had been since she had arrived at the Palace. There wasn't any reason as to why she was still laying in bed as still as a corpse. He had waited for two days and when she still showed no signs of waking he had her moved from his chambers into the infirmary. Linus had questioned his decision to move her.

"When she wakes up she'll be disoriented. It might hamper her recovery…"

"Look Linus, I want the girl to get better the same as you. Really. But if she doesn't wake up and ends up dying in my bed I'll never be able to sleep there again!"

"She has a name you know."

"It's not going to matter what I call her soon!"

"You can't really think she's going to die!"

"Look Linus, you've got to come to grips with the possibility that she will. Her pulse is so faint that Onigata would have pronounced her dead if it weren't for the warmth her body has been putting off!"

"Just because your life would be easier without her doesn't mean that the rest of us have to feel the same way!"

Linus had immediately regretted his outburst and after apologizing and bowing he left the room. Zuko had shot two flames from his hands and turned angrily on the girl.

"He's right you know! If you would just die this would all be a lot easier. My father and sister would stop tormenting me and I would be able to focus on finding the Avatar!"

Shaking his head he rounded on the bag giving it a heavy kick scooting it forward a few inches. Ever since the girl had collapsed she had had a constant stream of visitors. His uncle for one had come very early on, followed by a few members of the Elites who had brought some flowers in order to brighten up her sick room, even the Captain had popped in asking, of course, as to whether or not she would be fit to fight and stating regretfully that he wasn't quite ready to let his best soldier go. Best soldier my ass. He hadn't seen anything that impressive the day he fought her. Yeah she was blindfolded but it probably didn't block out all her vision. And I certainly didn't fight my hardest with her since she was so obviously handicapped. He threw another punch at the bag this time pulling away cursing as he held his bruised hand. He sunk to the floor and fell flat on his back staring up at the ceiling listlessly. How on earth was he supposed to handle an ornery peasant girl from the Water Tribes?

Soliel hated goodbyes, so rather than going through such a painful ordeal Soliel left the Spirit World the evening of the third day. Her eyes fluttered open and she lay still for a moment trying to adjust to the weight of her body. Feeling more stable Soliel slowly brought herself up to a sitting position, wincing at how stiff her muscles were. Baba and Fate have probably noticed I've left by now…I hope they won't take it personally. She could feel the improvement in her body as she adjusted. There was certainly no cure as good as a vacation to the Spirit World. Relaxing in hot lava baths and going through bending forms with her father had brought back many precious memories and had healed a lot more than her body. Agni had been just as apologetic as she was and both were relieved to be back on good terms.

As she shifted on the cot she realized that under the crisp white sheet she was wearing absolutely nothing. Looking around the infirmary she searched for her clothes. Not seeing them she pulled the sheet from the bed and wrapped it around herself. What purpose could removing my bindings have? It's not like I have any wounds or anything! She blushed at the idea of someone seeing her naked. The other Sun Warriors had always teased her about her bashfulness. Most of the women walked around stark naked while washing clothes or doing chores by the river. She, however, had never participated. Being seen naked was so personal for her, even being seen in her bindings was a hit to her dignity. Pulling the sheet around her she slowly made her way around the room but to no avail, her clothes—nor any others—were anywhere to be found. Cursing she stuck her head out of the door and when she didn't see anyone she scurried out into the hall. While she felt better than she had in weeks, her body was still stiff and sore and tired easily. Moving quickly proved more difficult than she had thought and she was forced to take a couple short breaks. I should have stayed in the infirmary until someone could fetch my clothes for me. Then again they probably would have brought me more sheer blue crap. I'd wear a sheet over that trash any day!

As she moved along she had a couple of close calls with some guards but was able to silently duck behind corners or into empty rooms in order to avoid them. Finally she made her way to the Prince's chambers. She dashed to the door, pushed it open and slipped inside quickly shutting it behind her. Breathing a sigh of relief she rested her forehead against the door. Who knew a quick jaunt through the Palace could tire her out so quickly. Before she could pull her head off of the door she felt cool steel press against her neck and a deep husky voice spoke not too far from her ear.

"Do not make any sudden movements or they will be your last."

She stood perfectly still her mind racing. Did she make it to the wrong room? Did she stumble upon a thief or an assassin? She knew that she couldn't fight anyone in her state, ducking in and out of corners had been enough to exhaust her.

"Turn around slowly. No sudden movements."

Soliel panicked. In her exhaustion she had lowered her arms which had caused the sheet to come open in the front. If she turned around now she'd be giving the man behind her a full frontal. She began to move her arms slowly upward but a bark from behind stopped her.

"Don't move another inch. Put your arms back to your sides and turn around."

Soliel's breathing was coming heavily now. the sheet was barely resting on her shoulders and only her grip on its corners kept if from sinking to the floor.

"I will not tell you again. Turn around now."

Gulping Soliel spun around clutching her arms to herself, her wrists strategically covering her breasts pulling the sheet around her previously exposed areas. The man now had her pressed against the door the sword pushing her neck back at an awkward angle against the wood. Her eyes were screwed shut as she waited for the blade to cut across her neck. When it didn't she slowly opened them and found herself staring into shimmering golden orbs.

The moment the girl opened her eyes into his he stared in shock into their crystalline blue depths he knew who she was. Surprised by her eye color he took a better look at the girl which he immediately regretted. The girl was still clutching her arms and the paltry white sheet to her desperately and unbeknownst to her, the action resulted in her breasts being pushed up and together to present a most gratifying view of cleavage. Blushing furiously Zuko whipped around showing her his back.

"What in Agni's name are you wearing?"

Soliel, still dazed, rewrapped the sheet around her.

"Well um…nothing actually. I couldn't find my clothes you see so I wrapped myself in the this sheet so I could come and grab some. I didn't expect anyone to be here. I'm sorry I startled you. Can I ask what are you doing here?"

Soliel was growing more flustered with every moment the strange man refused to speak or turn and face her.

"Who are you anyway? Were you waiting here to ambush me? How did you get in here? Why won't you look at me while you're talking to me?"

Zuko turned around angrily, crossing his arms, his grip still firm on his dao swords.

"My name is Zuko. Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Whose rooms you just barged into."

Soliel gripped the sheet around her as her eyes widened in shock. He was taller than she had expected. Silky black hair lay haphazardly about his head framing his perfectly chiseled face in which we set two burning golden orbs that sent chills down her spine. Fate's words echoed in her mind, "You should be thanking me! He got his looks straight from your daddy!" He could pass for Agni's doppleganger if not for the flaming scar that ran across one side of his face. She could feel her body shaking at the effort to hold herself up. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to stand but I sure as hell am not passing out with him in the room. She pulled herself to her full height and tried her best to look intimidating, and well, fully clothed.

"I apologize for the intrusion. I must have been mistaken in where I am. I'm sorry for disturbing you."

She turned to open the door but was stopped by a scoffing laugh from the Prince.

"You know exactly where the hell you are, and I know exactly who you are. How damned stupid do you think I am? I was wondering when we'd actually stop dancing around each other and cut to the chase. Although I can't say I expected our first formal meeting to be…like this."

Zuko knew there was no way around it anymore, he was finally forced to meet the woman who was haunting his already troubled mind. Her back was still to him and she showed no sign of turning around. She's probably terrified out of her mind.

"Listen, just so we're clear, I never wanted any of this. In case you haven't noticed, my father and my sister have a vendetta against me and are using you as a means to make me even more miserable."

Still the girl said nothing nor did she make any movements of acknowledgement. Ok so now she's just being stubborn.

"Did you hear anything I said? Look I know there's no good way to start this whole thing but a proper introduction is as good of place to start as any."

"…"

"Ok…I'll start. Like I said I'm Zuko, the Crown Prince, but you can just call me Zuko. I'm not big on formalities."

"…"

"By Agni would you just say something? Anything!"

Soliel sneezed at the mention of her father and couldn't stop the smile that came with it. Her connection with her divinity must have strengthened considerably during her time in the Spirit World if she was affected by her father's name. There was no reason to run any more. She hated feeling backed into a corner, vulnerable to a fault. She turned around gingerly, afraid lest she make any sudden movements that caused her to loose her consciousness, and met his gaze full on.

"My name is Soliel of the Sun Nation and captain of the Elites."

Soliel hoped he couldn't see her how her body shook with the effort to hold herself upright. She was loosing her grip on herself quickly.

Unfortunately, Zuko did see her struggling and rather than sneer at her weakness, as his father or sister would have surely done, his face flashed a moment of concern. She walked all the way from the infirmary to here after being unconscious for three days. It's a wonder she's able to stand at all.

"You probably shouldn't be our of bed yet, you've been sick for a couple of days now."

He made a move towards her which caused her to jerk backwards. The sudden movement was her undoing. He could see the panic flash in her eyes as her body collapsed under its own weight. Rushing forward, Zuko managed to get his arms around her before she completely fell across his floor. She clung to him in her desperation and frantic blue eyes met startled gold. Zuko couldn't be sure how long he sat there half kneeling with the water tribe girl pressed up against him but it was long enough for him to be aware of every inch of the woman that she was, separated only by a thin cotton sheet.

Soliel's heart felt like it was going to dislodge itself from her chest cavity and run straight down the hall. He was so close, his eyes mere inches from her own. She couldn't help but be amazed by their depth and warmth as she stared into them. They were beautiful, with flickering gold specs and molten undertones that seemed so full of life. The Fire Lord's and Princess' eyes had been cold, hard and distant. It seemed as though they couldn't chose whether to hold themselves aloof or sneer and mock. She couldn't help but question whether or not he was in fact the Fire Prince. So this is the man I fought, he certainly is a strong bender, I wonder if he's always this warm… What she did know for sure and certain was that she needed to put on her clothes, and quickly remove herself from this man's arms. The heat from his body was seeping into her own in an altogether far too pleasant manner.

"I…I need…need to dress…"

"What?"

"Clothes. I have clothes in the wardrobe."

Realization hit Zuko quickly and he straightened, pulling her up with him. She staggered a little, still clutching the sheet. The Prince pulled away from her quickly and walked into the bathroom firmly closing the door.

"I'll stay in here until you've finished putting something on."

She walked all the way through the palace dressed in nothing but a sheet. Did she even think what would have happened if she had run into one of the guards? He began to pace back and forth muttering to himself. She was supposed to stay in the infirmary. He had had it all planned out. She would begin to gain consciousness slowly and he would come and visit with her a little each day. He would have explained to her his position on their situation while she was still unable to say anything herself. As she recovered they both would grow more comfortable with each other to the point where once she was fully healed dinner with his father and sister would be a breeze. Only now she had come prancing into his rooms as naked as the day she was born with only a skimpy white sheet to cover herself. It's like she wants me to seduce her. Although, I'm certain she doesn't want to be seduced just as much as I don't want to seduce her…well ok I might want to a little more than she does…Zuko shook his head hoping to stop his train of thoughts. She had been tempting in the throne room, beaten and bloody, but in a just sheet pressing up against him innocently, eyes wide with surprise? What was he supposed to be… a monk? She's attractive. That's all there is to it. I've been around attractive women before. There had always been parades of the most beautiful girls the fire nation had to offer in the Palace. After his mother disappeared his father had made it no secret that he was seeking other forms of fulfillment. Even in the skimpiest outfits the women of the fire nation held an aloof charm of dignity that made you feel guilty for seeing the skin they showed. This girl however seemed to beg for men to drool over her. It had nothing to do with her manner. She was off-putting and angry, the Fire Nation concubines beckoned and cooed. It was her body that turned the tables. She was shorter than most of the women he knew, but still slim. Her small waist was accented all too well by gently rounded hips and full breasts. Her skin was tan compared to that of the Fire Nation but significantly paler than that of the Water Tribe. Her hair, however, was a mass of chestnut curls that framed crystalline blue eyes that were the hallmark of the Water Tribes. And just when you thought the sultry show was over, your eyes rested on her lips. They were full and red of their own accord and had been unconsciously bit between the rows of lovely white teeth just a moment ago. Seeing her bite her lower lip had made him want to follow suit. He shook his head more violently. This is ridiculous! She has done nothing to make me this way! He shuddered to think about what he would do if she ever did beckon and coo.

Soliel's hands shook as she opened the wardrobe doors. Her mind was numb and her ability to stand was diminishing by the minute. I just need to put my clothes on and then I'll lay down and everything will be alright. Somehow. It'll be ok. I'll put on some clothes. I'm ok. As she repeated her mantra as she scanned the items of clothing, but she couldn't find the clothes that she had altered for herself. Damn it. Damn it, damn it, damn it! All that was left hanging on the right side of the wardrobe were the Prince's clothes. Zuko's clothes. On the left side hung all of the skimpy, silky outfits brought from the concubines' quarters. If I wear the Prince's clothes will he think I'm trying to tempt him? Trying to be subtly seductive? I can't wear those other things though! What am I going to do? After staring for a moment she finally began to sift through the left side of the wardrobe. Most of the items were in different shades of blue. There were a few that were red and black but most of them were even less material than the blue getups. She finally saw a plain red silk dress near the back. She pulled it out and slipped it on. It was surprisingly soft and landed several inches above her knees, but long enough to where here bindings wouldn't show. the top was v-necked with lacy spaghetti straps. It's probably the most modest of all those dresses. Looking on the Prince's side, Soliel spotted a day robe in deep maroon that she quickly shrugged on. After closing the wardrobe, she picked up the sheet and sat on the nearby settee. Her body was exhausted. She hated how weak she felt and wished that she could just close her eyes and sleep. A knocking on the bathroom door brought her attention back to the present.

"Are you done yet? How long does it take you to get dressed?"

Soliel's hands began to shake violently. She clamped them together until her knuckles were white and tried to steady her shaky voice.

"Y..Yes. I'm dressed."

The bathroom door opened. Zuko stepped out awkwardly and stood staring at her for a moment. Neither said a word as he made his way over to the bed and sat facing her. Even with the few feet between them, Soliel still felt like his presence was suffocating her.

"How are you feeling? Should I call for Onigata?"

"No, no I'll be fine. It takes awhile to readjust…to being out of bed I mean…"

Great Soliel, why don't you just tell your new master that you've been in the Spirit World these past three days. I'm sure he'd love to hear that.

"You probably should be getting more rest then, I'll have the servants draw you a bath."

Zuko stood up and walked toward the door. He felt like he was cornering a scared kitten. She was obviously weak but her eyes watched his every move like she was expecting him to jump her at any moment. She's scared. No doubt she thinks I'm a monster waiting to rip her to shreds. Sighing Zuko turned back to face her.

"If you need anything just tell the servants or Linus. They'll take care of everything."

He turned to leave but was stopped by the girls confused voice.

"Wh…where are you going?"

"There are some matters which I must attend, I don't know when I'll be back." I wish I didn't have to come back at all…

Soliel sat on the bench in shock. He was just going to leave? That was it? This was the big confrontation she had spent so many hours agonizing over? He had answered no questions nor made any demands. She had imagined all variations of horrible outcomes for this moment. The least of which were him ripping off her clothes and throwing her onto the bed or pushing her up against a wall. Yet none of those things had happened. Yet. His eyes had held that unmistakable hunger that caused her to shiver just thinking about it. Even so, all he had done was sit across from her and study the floor, He didn't even look at her for more than a few minutes! Pushing against the sofa, Soleil stood. She wasn't just going to let him leave while she had so many questions swirling around in her head.

"Wait…you haven't explained a single thing!"

Zuko stopped mid stride, his face a mix of confusion and disbelief.

"What on earth could you want me to explain?"

Soliel felt her resolve crumbling beneath his hard gaze. Shit! I've pissed him off! Pull it together Soliel!

"Well there are things like where I will stay and what I'm exactly supposed to do and…"

"I thought it was obvious. You will be staying in this room and you are to do whatever I tell you." Like stay the hell away from me and wear more damn clothing!

"Where will I sleep?"

"Here, just like you have been for the past month…"

"But you're here now…"

"So?"

"Well don't you want your own space? I can sleep in the servants quarters or in another room that way…"

"Look, I get you don't want to be here. Hell I don't want you to be here! But if you sleep in with the servants or the concubines you will be considered fair game for any of the nobles or even my father. If you stay here no one will touch you and you remain exclusively mine."

Soliel felt the blood drain from her face as she thought about the Fire Lord being able to summon her. She hated the way he had stated his ownership of her, although she couldn't deny the not altogether unpleasant shiver that ran up her spine when he had said 'mine.' It was nice to see a man taking charge like that, most men had bowed and scraped to her her entire life—even the Elites did. He had authority, it was kind of…No! Stop it! I am not thinking like this! I am no one's property, I never will be and I certainly don't like it!

"If you're done I'm leaving now."

"My name's Soliel by the way. I didn't get to tell you before. I was too busy collapsing."

Soliel cringed at her attempt at humor. Agni she was terrible during moments like these. There was no script on how to have a conversation with your pimp or whatever he was supposed to be. To her surprise though, the Prince laughed softly as he turned to leave.

"You've been unconscious for three days. It's a miracle that you were able to make it here at all. I'll send Linus in to get your bath ready."

And with a click of the door, he was gone. She sat back down, dumbfounded over the entire encounter. He had flat out told her he wanted nothing to do with her 'services' but had still firmly insisted she belonged to him but still laughed at her paltry attempt at a joke. She had always considered men to be relatively simple to understand, but he was another thing entirely. Her head was still trying to sort everything out when she heard a soft knocking. Shaking her head she straightened herself up as best she could.

"Come in."

"Hello miss, I heard you were looking for a bath?"

Linus' smile put her at ease immediately. His presence always comforted her and she realized that she had begun to rely on him more than she probably should. But at this moment she was too weak to help but rely on someone, and she would always prefer it to be him.

"Yes, please Linus. It's been days and I feel utterly disgusting."

"Well you certainly look better than you feel", he said cheeks coloring slightly, "I'm happy to see you up and about again, you had us all worried there for awhile. We weren't sure if you would make it."

"I'm sorry for any trouble I caused you. I guess my body just needed a lot of rest and threw a fit when I didn't give it enough."

Linus snorted, "Well I hope you learned your lesson. On the bright side, you finally got to meet Prince Zuko. I told you he wasn't so bad, nothing like his father or sister."

Soliel said nothing and bit her lower lip. She had prepared herself for the worst, yet nothing had happened. Maybe he's not going to be so bad after all…

"Well I'm still not happy about any of this, he wants me to stay here with him. How am I supposed to be able to get any rest if he's going to be sleeping in the same room as me?"

"I imagine it will be awkward at first, a few bumps here and there, but I hear that once you become used to it, sleeping with someone is actually very nice."

"Sleeping with him! By Agni you can't be serious? He means for me to sleep with him, in his bed?"

"Well I highly doubt he'll ask you to sleep on the floor."

Soliel wrung her hands worriedly. Sleeping with her enemy. That's what she was doing. What if I talk in my sleep? What if I say something about Aang without thinking? What if he tries to touch me? The last though caused Soliel's mouth to go dry. This was going to be worst than she had been thinking.

"Out of the frying pan and into the blasted fire. Damn it all."