As promised, the Earth King had treated the Kyoshi Warriors –who were really Azula, Mai and Ty Lee- as honored guests. Each of them had her own, comfy bedroom but they shared the same apartment, which wasn't so bad. They had servants all around them and the Dai Li agents were often sent to watch over them. Azula was rather suspicious of the Dai Li agents and their leader, Long Feng. She could sense he was up to something, but for the time being, she kept her thoughts to herself, until she had evidence, or was at least sure, so she could speak with Mai and Ty Lee about it.
The Palace's Ballroom was all decorated in Earth Kingdom colours. Buffets with all kinds of foods were everywhere around the room. Charming young waiters were wandering around, offering all kinds of drinks to the ladies. Ty Lee was flirting around with the waiters and Mai was sitting on a chair, all gloomy, as usual. Azula, on the other hand, was keeping an eye on the Dai Li agents, wondering where Long Feng was. Probably plotting… Her eyes narrowed dangerously as the man finally walked in through the doors. So, you've decided to show up… Azula thought to herself.
The Fire Nation Princess walked closer to the Ballroom's center. Her hair was styled up in a bun, as usual, held up with a green ribbon. She was wearing a long, rather revealing dress of matching colour. Her whole back was exposed, but she couldn't really bother with that. Her feet were fit in a pair of dark green high heels. Rather high for her, but she could handle. The whole appearance had reached her bedroom earlier the same day anonymously. Azula assumed it was the Earth King's present. Then again, if it was, wouldn't Mai and Ty Lee have received something as well? They hadn't and that made the Princess suspicious.
"Do you like your new dress?" a low voice whispered in her ear. Azula almost jumped up in terror. She turned around fast to face the Dai Li's leader and most trusted advisor of the Earth King, Long Feng. She narrowed her eyes. "You sent this?" she asked. "Rather revealing for a 16-year-old warrior, don't you think?" Long Feng's eyes scanned her perfectly shaped body, which was covered by the thin, green silk, revealing a big part of her well formed breasts. "No." he replied finally. "I believe it fits you perfectly, Princess Azula…" Azula's eyes widened for a second. "How do you know who I am?" she hissed. The man smirked. "I know everything." The Princess growled again and glanced around. No one seemed to have noticed.
Long Feng's smirk increased. "You have nothing to worry about. I'll keep the information to myself." he raised an eyebrow. "You better…" Azula's eyes narrowed. The man tilted his head, offering his hand to the surprised female. "May I have this dance?" he asked, politely. For a second she stopped, thinking, considering her chances to get to know what he was up to. There were a lot. "Fine." she agreed, frowning, placing her small, delicate hand on his open palm. His fingers curled closed around her hand and without a warning, she was pulled on the dance floor, trapped into his arms.
She felt slightly uncomfortable, but she wouldn't show it. She glanced up at him, her eyes still narrowed. Surprisingly, his own expression had softened now. "Now, don't give me that look." he teased. "Why did you send the dress?" she asked, frowning. Long Feng chuckled. "Doesn't a man always send a gift to a charming woman?" he cocked his eyebrow. The Princess rolled her eyes. "Funny…" she snorted. "I wasn't kidding, Princess…" he replied formally, his hand moving lower on her waist, few centimeters over her rear only. "Your hand had better stay were it is…" she threatened in a cold voice. He smirked. "What if it doesn't?" he asked. "You don't want to know… Trust me." her eyes narrowed again.
Long Feng enjoyed teasing her. The way she reacted, dangerous and threatening was amusing the older man, being too sure he could handle her if needed. She looked as if she wasn't very experienced with men or boys because of her character and the way she treated people. She was terrifying. His facial expression was betraying his thoughts. Azula glanced away from his face. "Yeah, yeah… I terrify boys away. Satisfied now?" she frowned, feeling annoyed by the truth. "You're not terrifying me." he replied, without thinking. Azula cocked an eyebrow. "You are not a boy." she snorted. "You're an old man. A sick one too." Now it was Long Feng's turn to frown. "I'm not old and I'm not sick either." he replied, frowning and squeezing her waist. The Firebender's eyes narrowed. "I'm not dump, you know. It's pretty obvious what you're doing." she slapped his hand. "Quit doing this or next time, you'll get a flying fist in the face. And it'll be flaming."