Today was the saddest of all. Today the royal queen of the fire nation would be buried. Her beautiful smile would be no more. The entire nation felt the utter pain of loss. They had lost there queen, she was lighthearted and a beautiful soul.

She left a loving husband and her two daughters behind. She had played her role well and today it was time to say goodbye. Ezra never thought she would experience this type of pain. Her mother was the only women in her life that she had looked up to.

Now with her gone there was no one she turn to. She would never see her get married or have children. The thought pained her and all she could do was sob. She held little Emily close as the young girl cried. It was even harder on her as she was still growing. With no mother to guide her Ezra now had to fill in the role of a mother.

The whole nation stood behind them to watch the queen be buried. All that could be heard was the weeping tears of the people. Her father stood next to her but not once did he cry. He felt he needed to be strong in front of his people. A weak king was never a good one and he wanted to reassure his people not worry them.

He had been depressed for days. He drank alot and cried all day. He never came down for dinner and he wouldn't get out of bed. But even with that knowledge Steven knew what needed to be done. Soon he would need to look for another anot wife.

Without a wife who was supposed to care for little Emily? Although she had her nannies he would still need a partner. Now that the nation had found out he was a widow his enemies would think he was weak. He needed to protect legacy at all costs.

Ezra wiped her tears with a handkerchief. Jerome stood by her side with her hand in his. Even if the thought angered she had to remember she was in the public eye. Shogan stood beside his brother.

He offered his condolences. But he couldn't keep his eyes off there conjoined hands. The sight irritated him but now was not the time. What matters now was that Ezra needed time to heal. He couldn't imagine the pain she must be feeling and he wanted to be there for her.

So for now he would be by her side. The day continued on where people offered there condolences. They went around greeting people before they hopped in a carriage to go back home. Ezra let little Emily lay her head in her lap as she slept.

Today had been a long day. Ezra suddenly felt tired herself. No one in the carriage said anything. Her father sat across from her as he stared out the carriage window. Jerome and his brother had taken a separate carriage.

"Papa... what will happen now" ? Ezra asked as he turned to look at his two daughters. Little Emily looked so much like her mother. The sight pained him so he refrained from looking at Emily.

"Life will continue on. All you need to worry about is your engagement party" he said sternly. Even with the sad current events business was still business.

" You can't seriously think about business at a time like this. What about Emily's wellbeing? She needs you" Ezra said choking up a bit. Emily was still very young and had lots to learn. Of course she would still have her to guide her in the right direction. But right now she needed to heal.

"I've arranged for her to go away for a bit. After that she will be sent away for boarding school. There is still far too much to be done. I can't be there at every beck and call so this will be good for her". Ezra couldn't believe what she was hearing. How could he send his young daughter away without no regard of her feelings.

" You can't just throw her away! She needs us more than ever and we need to help her. I am the future queen and her sister. I will look after her not some random teachers thinking they know what's she's going through"! Emily stirred a bit in her lap and she lightly brushed her hair back.

"I've heard enough Ezra. In a week she will be leaving and that's that. I will have no more of this disrespect! You are not queen yet which means you will obey your king" he bellowed.

Ezra said nothing else as she angrily looked out the window. The rest of the ride was filled with tension. Her father had become a different person. He was turning into a mad king and it irritated her.

When they stopped in front of the mansion Ezra grabbed Emily into her arms. She put her to bed letting her rest, today had been a stressful day. Thousands of reporters filled the mansion as they talked to her father.

She needed a bit of air so she went to her mother's favorite place. The rose garden seemed to lack life as she stepped onto the dewy grass. A light breeze passed by shaking the roses.

"How are you feeling"? She turned to see Shogan walking towards her. He sent her a gentle smile as he stood beside her.

"To be honest I'm not quite sure. I... I feel empty and I feel like there is nothing I can do about it". She layed out her feelings not holding anything back. It was always easy to talk to Shogan and he never bashed or judged her.

"That's understandable. If.. you ever need anything please... let me know, I want to help in any way I can". And he genuinely meant it. Over the past few weeks Ezra had made a place into his heart. She made him feel so many things and the feeling was indescribable.

When he looked at her he just knew how he felt about her. From the moment they met he became enraptured by her. And the more they spent time together the more he felt himself falling.

"You are a very kind man Shogan. Unlike your disgusting brother, you know he threatened me yesterday just because we have been talking often. As if it's any of his business" she said rolling her eyes.

Confused why would his brother threaten her? He made a mental note to speak to his brother about it later. "Let's go for a walk around the garden" he said giving her his arm. He practically pulled her away so that they were no longer in view of the mansion.

They talked for awhile as they slowly walked through the garden. Ezra caught herself laughing at his ridiculous jokes. He had definitely brightened her mood. She was shocked when he pulled her into his arms.

Gazing into her eyes she gulped nervously. "You are so beautiful" he whispered brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. In that moment she didn't know how to react. This had been her very first encounter with any man.

She felt her cheeks grow hot with embarrassment. "Uhh... thank you" she said awkwardly. He felt how nervous she was and it was then he knew she needed time. Maybe he had been to forward with is feelings. The last thing he wanted was for her to run away.

"I know things have been hard for you. I just want to be here for you that's all". He reassured her and have her some space. When he moved back she had let out a breath that she had been holding in.

When they were finished with their walk she bid farewell to him. "I will be here tomorrow, please if you need anything don't be afraid to reach out to me" he placed a kiss on her palm before heading towards the mansion doors.

Ezra raced upstairs her face still feeling hot. Her heart was beating so fast it felt like she would burst. She took a look in the mirror to see her face as red as a tomato.

Maybe she truly was falling for him......