Chapter 23: Future Fire Lady
The ballroom was filled with nobles and their daughters, Zuko wasn't interested in them, many of them didn't know much about politics which was a big part of being the Fire Lady. The Fire Lady wasn't just a pretty face, she had duties of her own, she didn't just sit there and nodded during meetings. Zuko sighed and walked out onto the balcony, the night was cool, he was glad his robes were hot. He missed the breezy clothin Jog he wore in Sirie.
He turned when he heard footsteps behind him, he recognized the person as Lord Xiang. His daughter was two years older than him and he had been pushing her on him all night, "Wonderful night" Xiang said, Zuko nodded in response and turned back to the garden below. Xiang stood beside him and pretended to be looking at the moon, "Sue Ying would love the garden" he said, this man was desperate to have his daughter become Fire Lady.
"She told that she flowers" Zuko said, he was getting very tried of this man, he hoped that the other Fathers aren't like him and there were other women coming.
Xiang went on and on about his family history and how his daughter was the perfect choice for Fire Lady. Zuko was glad when the announcer came to get but he wasn't too excited about more power hungry women swarming him. He walked into the ballroom and stood in the center of the floor, the guests quieted down when the announcer stood at the top of the grand staircase.
He cleared his throat and said in loud booming voice "I present to you Lady Makai of the Northern Water Tribe" everyone applauded. She looked a bit nervous as she steadily came down, she bowed when she made it to him and smiled nervously. He smiled and that must have eased her nerves a bit.
"Lady Asami of the Earth Kingdom"
This one had a bit more confident than Makai, she looked at him and smiled brightly at him and he returned the gesture, she bowed to him like Makai then went to stand over to the side with the other candidates. Zuko was glad there was more women from other nations coming, most of the candidates were from the Fire Nation.
"Lady Ty Lee of the Fire Nation"
Zuko's eyes widened, Ty Lee?, she has changed since the last he's seen her. She was a bit taller and she was developed, she still smiled cheerfully and she still sported her pink. He half expected her to run down the stairs and give him a hug, instead she stood in front of him and swept into a bow. She winked at him and stood next to the other women.
The announcer got down to the last name and Zuko's jaw nearly hit the floor.
"Empress Akaineya of Sirie"