Act of Contrition

.

The Earth King had come to revise His personal definition of 'surprise'. Biting down on a cherry pit once counted as surprising. No longer. Kuei now dealt in secret, century-long wars and treacherous advisors.

If someone told Him the former Grand Secretariat could bend metal, Kuel wasn't sure He could dismiss such accusations as fantasy after recent events. But Long Feng, out of his cell, kowtowing before Kuei's throne as a humble servant should? It hurt Him to realize that was surprising.

"Your Majesty, I will accept whatever judgement you will bestow on me for this intrusion, but please hear me first! I come with news of an imminent threat against your life!"

Several Dai Li agents entered the throne room. At their mercy were three disheveled girls, all gagged. Despite their faces being wiped clean of make-up, the Earth King recognized them by their elaborate uniforms.

"Outrageous!" Kuei bolted to his feet. "The Kyoshi Warriors are friends of this throne and the Avatar. Guards! Free them and return Long Feng to his cell!"

As those soldiers loyal to Him approached Long Feng and the Dai Li agents, they met no resistence. That alone was why Kuei did not deafen Himself to what His former adviser said next.

"These are not the Kyoshi Warriors, sir!" Long Feng, eyes still fixed on the floor, swept one arm out towards the girls. "They are Fire Nation assassins."

"Preposterous!"

Any further explanation was delayed by the courtroom's doors bursting open. The Avatar's waterbending master sprinted inside.

"King Kuei, something terrible is going on! The Fire Nation has infiltrated the city. I just saw Prince Zuko and his-!" She froze at the sight of Long Feng. "What is he doing here?"

Kuei's eyes widened. "Fire Nation... infiltration?"

"You see, sir?" said Long Feng. "With the Dai Li no longer protecting Ba Sing Se, Your enemies are drawing their knives."

"Let Suki and the others go!" Katara's hand fell to the waterskin on her hip. "Or else!"

Long Feng said, "These are not the Kyoshi Warriors. Look at their faces! Are these your friends?"

The Water Tribe child's expression morphed from stern anger to shock. "...Azula?"

"Princess Azula," Long Feng stressed, at last meeting Kuei's eyes. "Heir to the Fire Lord."

Doing His best not to stumble, Kuei sat back down on His throne.

"And you heard the girl," Long Feng said. "Prince Zuko is here as well. Who knows how many other Fire Nation agents are lurking around the palace right now?"

Kuei hoped no one say His gemmed fingers tremble. He had trusted these girls with Bosco. "It... appears I have misjudged you again, Long Feng. I will remember this service at your trial."

The kowtowing man smiled. Kuei did not return the gesture. A cloud passed over Long Feng's eyes, a knowing look which elicited the slightest of nods from Kuei. Whatever the other man's motive, Kuei would not let Himself be surprised by Long Feng anymore.