Why do you think Locke was obsessed with humiliating Cardan? We know he liked being around Cardan since he can get away with anything, but he also sees him as a fool. I remember seeing someone say that Cardan may have ruined Locke's games in the past, but Locke goes out of his way with these humiliation acts. There has to be a stronger motive.
Also, I didn't know you love Zutara. I love them too. They have so much in common. They just make sense.
Zutara has my heart, forever and ever.
As for why Locke was so obsessed with Cardan, I think he knew how soft Cardan really was, and Locke liked to see how much he could get away with. Don't forget Nicasia, Locke and Valerian were Cardan's only friends. In his whole life. He put up a good front, but he was, for the most part, pretending to be something he wasn't for his friends. I think Locke saw that in him and honed in on that vulnerability in Cardan to create his drama around. He knew Cardan couldn't really do much about it and still keep his facade up.
