"Your Majesty, your nephew is here to see you." The Royal usher announced. On that note the Fire Lord's attention snapped open to the usher. Zuko jumped out of his throne and practically ran to the door.
Outside, Sozai was sitting on a bench, tired, injured, dehydrated and hungry. Quickly, Zuko hugged the 13 year old boy. He let out a yelp of pain. Zuko noticed this and let go.
"How are you here? What happened?" Zuko asked, half beaming and half worried.
Sozai was too weak to speak when he opened his mouth. Instead he showed the burnt to crisp hands. The golden eyes of the Fire Lord were filled with a mixture of rage, anger and worry.
Within moments, Sozai found he being taken by several Royal servants, to what Sozai might imagine was the Royal Hospital. His hands were put in several different liquids.
"Sir, do you have any other injuries?" The doctor asked.
"...Chest..." Sozai managed to say.
"With your permission, sir, we would like to tear your cloak off to treat the wound."
"...Go ahead..."
Sozai rested his head on the soft pillow that supported his head. He ignored the pain, when the doctors ripped the cloak. He thought he saw his uncle turn around a bit when the wound was revealed.
After the operation, Sozai was allowed rest. There was no need to say it twice, as the firebender instantly fell in a deep slumber.
The Fire Lord watched his nephew sleeping. He could hear his daughter's footsteps.
"I came as fast as I could." The Fire Crown Princess said, panting.
"Well, good, because you missed the worse part."
"What was that?"
Zuko pointed to the torso wound. It was bandaged, but the blood was seen through.
"So many scars." Ursa said, looking at the shirtless body of her cousin. The whole thing had scratch marks, burn marks, and bruises.
"I suspect Azula had something to do with it." Zuko said coldly.
"To her own son?"
"Yeah ... even her own son."