“...for Your Grace’s name day, I offer nothing less than the most splendid gems of the Silver Cities...”

The master was still rambling, flatteries dripping from his mouth like maggots from a gash in a rotting peach. You knew that he hoped for the Fire Lord’s favour, and the lands and titles that would come with it. He called himself a lord, but almost all knew that he was only a successful merchant, if one was being polite, or a slaver if not. He had brought half a dozen of the prettiest girls he owned, maids all, or so he claimed. You were not one of the six - the whipping scars on your back gave the reason why. Instead, you were made to attend the merchant, to carry a giant fan to shield him against the heat of the Fire Nation capital. this was not a disappointment to you, as you had no desire to be bartered off as a piece of property.

Especially not to him.

From under the wide brim of your hood, you glanced up at the man sitting in the large, ornate throne of bloodwood and gold. He was dressed in resplendent robes black silk and dark red samite. His skin was the tanned tone that marked him as one of the Fireborn, glistening in the bright sun. Your heart clenched in hatred at the sight of him. You would have your dagger in his by the end of this farce, or you would die trying.

Sweat dripped down your back, down the still-raw whip marks, and stung. It was not in your nature to tolerate heat, but you only ground your teeth and held on to the handle of the fan more tightly. A few more hours until nightfall, a few more hours. You could wait. You’d waited fifteen years already for such an opportunity. A few more hours, and the man responsible for your family’s death and the fall of your kingdom would meet his justice.

Except -

"I'll have that one as well. Your fan-bearer. I have not seen one of her people for a long time."

Your insides went cold and you tried to retreat further beneath your hood, clenching to the fan so hard you thought it would snap.

"I thought the Winterborn had all been culled after the attempted uprising."

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What am I doing I have no idea. \o///////

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