PLZ don't hate me for this short chapter but we've pretty much caught up plus I've got a lemon coming up! So don't hate me!
"Riot has broken out into the city many shops and noblemen have been robbed, we are in a state of emergency," Iroh said grabbing his knees and trying to catch his breath.
"Lu Hao!" Zuko shouted and pretty soon the man came running from the shadows with paper ready to take his majesty's orders.
"Deploy the troops to round up the rioters and fetch uncle some tea!" Zuko shouted and he practically jogged off to his war room to pull up some files. Iroh reluctantly followed him still sort of gasping for air; unbeknownst to them Katara was following also.
"Nephew I am afraid that my visit has come to an end I have to return to my tea shop in Ba Sing Se," Iroh announced and Zuko almost set fire to the paper he was holding.
"Uncle you've only been here a week," Zuko said through blowing steam out of his nose, mouth, and ears.
"I have a life to you know Zuko and you are a grown man I cannot not keep going around cleaning up your messes." Iroh explained and Zuko clenched his fist harder he hated not getting his way and with his uncle this was no different.
"If I may suggest…" Katara said interrupting the two relatives and they both looked up at her.
"I've learned that tourist attractions are one of the best ways to bring in money, maybe if you shut down your tea shop in Ba Sing Se and then open one massive one here everyone will come here and it could be a source of revenue." Katara stated and Iroh rubbed his beard that was a good idea and he could stay in the Fire Nation and run his tea shop at the same time solving both of their issues.
"I found a huge source of white dragon bush plants during my travels," Katara baited and Zuko was immediately happy he told her that story. She would make a great mediator for the Fire Nation.
"Even better the plant is in the Fire Nation so there will be only profit making the tea, if I may can I take a look at your expenses and finances?" Katara asked and Zuko bustled through the scrolls to spread them out on the table before Katara. She began reading them and took some ink to make a mark beside significant facts. Iroh began discussing potential sites for his tea shop and the new and beautiful designs.
"How about the war museum celebrating the 100 year war it sits in the middle of the capital city?" Katara suggested out of irritation and the two of them looked at her and then agreed on it. Zuko drew up the orders and Iroh gave them to the guard standing outside the door. They would have the place ready in two weeks if they put a rush on it. Katara also gave them the place where she saw the white dragon bush and Iroh couldn't help but to ask if she was sure it wasn't the white jade bush. Katara laughed and assured him that she was sure they were white dragon bush.
"Ok just skimming through I see what one main problem is…the Fire Nation had to cut its hold on some Fire Nation cities and its hold on most trading sites so therefore you should have cut on spending. Also there isn't much more need for war profiteering, and with that being said you are paying too much for you war veterans who are just sitting at home making babies. Children cost money so you need to cut back on the baby boom or find these soldiers something to do. If you're paying them it needs to be for something like working the farms and maintaining them or working the mines that are bringing in profit. I was also thinking of you opening refugee camps around the earth kingdom and have your paid soldiers working there. It will let people know you really care and also open up the trade market for the Fire Nation being that most people want nothing to do with you." Katara stated and Zuko nodded his head while trying to memorize everything she said.
"So should I cut their pay first or reassign them?" Zuko asked and Katara placed her hand casually on her hip.
"Both Zuko you let everyone know their pay is being cut off completely unless they sign up for a post, have some of your most prestigious servants run the hiring process. Sort through…you know what just sign the paper work and I'll write it up." Katara said not thinking he was getting the total picture.
"No I'm listening seriously Katara," Zuko begged and the water bender folded her arms before finishing her pace.
"Sort through the positions and assign them to the ones needed in the Fire Nation and those who aren't but are particularly cool minded and will treat the refugees with respect. Also the Rough Riders are causing havoc and are suspected Ozai supporters I suggest you have them killed." Katara finished her speech standing in front of Zuko and she placed her hands on his thighs.
"You know my dear if I may say so myself I think you would make a fine Fire Lady someday," Iroh slipped out of the room before either of them could respond to his comment. Zuko grabbed Katara's chin and leaned in for a kiss but she pulled away.
"So Fire Lord Zuko how does this work huh? You flaunt Mai around in public and daytime but you play with me at night and behind closed doors. What is your problem you womanizing punk?" Katara didn't know if she was angry or just plain old hurt what would she have to do to make him choose and quit playing games. It was admirable that he didn't want to hurt Mai's feelings or leave her just like that but it was less admirable that he didn't mind hurting her.
"I can't just leave her Katara and I don't want to see her cry again," Zuko explained hoping for sympathy from someone he know he would never receive any from, not on this particular subject.
"But it is ok to see me cry and to hurt me?" Katara wasn't going to allow him to see her sweat she didn't know why she stayed so long or why she even bothered with Zuko.
"I'm sorry Fire Lord Zuko that was out of line…I will take my leave now." Katara curtsied low to him and walked slowly out of his sight she was unconsciously giving him time to stop her. But she knew if he allowed her to walk out of that throne room she would be gone for good and she would be through with him. Katara grabbed the handle and pulled the door open; she could feel the tears swelling up in her eyes as she stepped across the threshold. Katara stepped out into the hallway and felt herself being pushed back inside and slammed down into the ground.
"Don't you dare walk out that damn door," Zuko commanded laying on top of her and Katara wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Sorry as I say lemon next!