A/N: I affirm that Zuko is just too good for her family. It's not enough to have a relative trying to kill her clandestinely via a coup, but it's another thing entirely to have a relative trying to kill her openly. The peace talks between earth and fire have already begun with the kind of life-threatening excitement you can only expect in the Fire Nation. There are intrigues afoot and not a few feel like perhaps Zuko is no longer safe in her own home and around those she considers family. Happy reading and don't forget to comment, favorite, or follow if you are so inclined.
Disclaimer: Why, oh, why couldn't Zuko have been born in a different royal family?-Prince Sokka of the Consolidated Water Nation
Chapter 23: A Dangerous Truth
After the unfortunate excitement of lunch that afternoon, the Fire Lord apologized for the attack and assured the diplomats that the incident was isolated and was not a reflection of what was to continue throughout the week.
Those assassins were not for the Fire Nation and whoever was responsible would be severely punished when found. He urged his visitors to only go out with the guards assigned to them and to remain in their chambers for meals.
Murmurs filled the chamber as delegates processed their feelings about the situation. Some participants looked thoroughly unconvinced and a few said so openly to their Earth kingdom monarchs.
"King Bumi, how can we be so sure that this isn't an elaborate trap to kill us off and take over our lands?" one nobleman asked. King Bumi hummed thoughtfully.
"Well Lord Rao, I suppose if they were really planning to do us in, we would not have arrived in the Fire Nation at all. Our ships would have sunken long before reaching these shores. It's too expensive to feed and house all these people for weeks on end. We must remember that there are two sides to every story and then there's the truth somewhere watching. We must be like the truth and keep our eyes and ears open. Don't you agree?" he said plainly.
Lord Rao looked back at King Bumi with the confusion that normally accompanies people who take in his sayings that can be altogether wise and yet strangely incomprehensible at the same time. It seemed to be a consistent trend of those members from the old White Lotus faction.
At the Lord's discombobulation, King Bumi cackled and gave Fire Lord Ozai a nod of confirmation that he would continue to be a part of the meetings for the hope and possibility of peace.
King Kuei looked at his Earth counterparts, his relatives, and over at Princess Zuko who was thankfully and clandestinely redressed after the lunch debacle. He realized that this could be their only chance to truly create a diplomatic relationship with the Fire Nation that would restore what belongs to them and secure a real business partnership for the goods greatly desired by his people from the Fire Nation. He cleared his throat.
"Fire Lord Ozai," he said more confidently than he felt at that moment.
"We knew the risk we were taking in coming to your home understanding that what we are attempting is beyond the desire of some on both sides, but we came nonetheless." he began. Ozai's eyebrows raised in surprise and in subtle admiration. Kuei resisted the urge to smirk.
"We will not allow those terrorizers to paralyze us with fear. I think I speak for all of us when we say we are with you and we will see this through for the sake of peace between Our nations. Let us continue to fight for what is good and right in this world." he declared.
Zuko smiled gently as she listened to King Kuei's brave announcement. She knew that the peace was still extremely fragile but both her father and the Earth Rulers were willing to fight for it.
It made her proud and she hoped with all her heart that they would hold fast to what they both said. She felt like this was only the beginning of the troubles this meeting would bring. By the motley mix of emotions and energies, she sensed she wasn't the only one who felt that way.
Kuei during a brief moment of silence asked permission to make a presentation to the Fire Lord, and Princess Zuko before they adjourned for the evening.
"Lord Ozai, please indulge us a moment more today as we present these gifts as a show of our solidarity and as one of honor," Kuei announced humbly.
Ozai was shocked at the request though he worked well to hide it.
Kuei called to one of his servants who brought over three cases. One was shorter than a sword box and rectangular like a lacquer calligraphy case inlaid with precious stones, and gold. Instead of having stacking levels, it contained a hinged lid that was locked with a key.
The servants carried the luminescent black box adorned with yellow, green, red, and blue gems over to the servants of Fire Lord Ozai and waited. Ozai signaled to his servants who took the box and the smaller case containing the key and positioned it before the Fire Lord.
At his command, the servants used the key to open the box and stepped back. As Ozai walked towards the box, he could see the glint of intertwined gold and silver in the shape of a dragon and phoenix which formed the handle of a beautifully gilded scimitar nested in a plush velvet form.
There was an elegantly carved inscription on the gradually broadening curved blade that said, "The pursuit of unity creates harmony." Ozai resisted the urge to gasp in front of his guests.
He had never received something so well made and elegant from the earth kingdom before! His impression had been that the Earth kingdom citizens were akin to barely civilized rock dwellers who could only replicate and build simply.
Ozai didn't understand the true level of artisanship from earth craftsmen though he allowed potters and sculptors from the earth kingdom previously to make basic earthenware for his citizens in exchange for visas and residency. He paused for a moment before he spoke to ensure he didn't betray himself with unforeseen emotion.
"Your gift is most beautiful and appreciated, King Kuei. It is also my hope that we can create harmony between our countries in this endeavor. Thank you." he said clearing his throat quickly.
King Kuei gave a gracious and appropriate nod akin to a bow to the Fire Lord for accepting his gift. Ozai nodded in return then signaled to his servants to take the gift and place it on a table near his throne. He would take time to examine the exquisite offering further after the meeting.
Kuei smiled at this and said,
"I have another gift that I would like to present to Princess Zuko if that is appropriate at this time." He blushed slightly and fidgeted with his collar as he waited for the Fire Lord's reply.
Ozai looked at his daughter who appeared shocked at the request and then looked back to Kuei who was strangely nervous about it. Ozai smirked. Did King Kuei have feelings for his damaged daughter? Perhaps he really couldn't see out of his spectacles, he wondered.
Why would the foreign king be attracted to Zuko like this? He then remembered that they were so-called friends from Zuko's time in the earth kingdom. Perhaps he could do something with this...
"It is highly unorthodox for gifts to be given to non-ruling royals," Ozai began hoping to embarrass Zuko for being singled out instead of Azula for a gift.
"But I do suppose an exception can be made on this occasion knowing the history between the two of you," he said leaving his statement open to interpretation. A few murmurs rippled through the room.
Diplomats and nobles alike wondered what kind of "history" the Fire Lord was referring to though it was a well-established fact that Zuko still retained her "virtue" despite rumored attempts from the Water Prince.
Zuko blushed unintentionally at her father's insinuation but kept her emotions in check. It wouldn't do to react knowing that the nobles were easily swayed like the tides by the wind and only needed a hint of a rumor to create narratives in their minds for salacious tea-time gossip and secret corner tittering.
Kuei seemed completely oblivious to the social engineering at play in the court and bowed graciously as he took the gift himself to present it to Zuko further fueling the mini-revelations occurring among the attendees. Zuko stood stock still. Regardless of what Kuei gives her, she couldn't react, or there would be much hell to pay later. Kuei stopped before Zuko and smiled.
"Zuko," he said his voice low and sincere. "You have been through more than many of us could dare to imagine in multiple lifetimes."
Zuko's voice caught as she breathed in suddenly. She took a deep breath as he continued hoping that whatever he did next wouldn't make her cry. He chuffed quietly.
"I heard from a mutual friend of ours that you lost something very precious that belonged to you during the horrible attack on your home. So precious in fact that they were irreplaceable. I know I can't take back what has happened, but I hope that when you use these you will not remember the pain of the past but forge a new and hopeful future. Please take these as a reminder of our friendship and the hope you sparked between our nations to find peace." As Kuei finished he took Zuko's hand carefully and placed it on the box.
She felt that it consisted of a long ornately carved wooden rectangular box with a hinged lid and she lifted the top carefully. Kuei helped her guide her fingers into the box so that she wouldn't cut herself on the long broad blades of her new set of dual dao.
When she realized what he was giving her she let out a high-pitched gasp. The blades were magnificent and fine with handles that perfectly molded to her fingers.
The smooth and polished metal had the feel of swords she handled many, many years ago as a reward for overcoming fear during her training with Master Piandao. She lifted her head sharply.
"I-I know these blades..." she said in breathless wonder. Kuei smiled brightly.
"I coordinated with your former sword teacher Master Piandao and he said that he knew exactly what you needed. I do hope these are acceptable to you?" Kuei asked with some trepidation. He took his free hand to push his glasses back up on his nose after they slipped down his bridge.
Zuko was overwhelmed. Master Piandao gave her his very own broadswords? The same swords he made when he was first learning to be a swordsman? Her brain short-circuited and Zuko forewent all propriety.
She wrapped her arms tightly around Kuei's neck throwing him slightly off balance as he still held the swords in the case. She cried into his neck as she held onto him. Kuei used his free hand to hold Zuko steady further making the embrace unintentionally more intimate. Guards started at the sudden caress from the king and the crowd went into a frenzy.
Was Zuko declaring her love and acceptance of King Kuei? No royals would dare to show such public affection unless that person was their intended! What did this mean for the Water Prince? What did this mean for the upcoming Agni Sokushitsu Matsuri? Would there be an international wedding after all?
The rumor mill suddenly went into overdrive.
Ozai was taken aback. Had Zuko lost all her senses over a weapon? His disgust could not be hidden.
Azula who had been watching in the background was seething with jealousy at the attention her sister was being given. She wanted to vomit. Zuko was being showered with gifts for having half a face!
If anyone deserved a gift it should have been her. She was the heir apparent. She was the one worthy of adulation! Azula got up quickly and stormed out of the meeting.
When Kuei realized how happy Zuko was, he smiled again and laughed at her somewhat inappropriate display before a public delegation. He whispered to her slightly,
"I am so glad you like your gift; however, it, ah, might be better if you didn't hug me like this in front of the leaders of our nations..." he suggested.
Zuko released Kuei quickly blushing furiously at her faux pas and stepped back to give him a hasty bow breathless and shamefaced. She returned to her seat and servants quickly took her gift and placed it next to her gently.
The Fire Lord rolled his eyes in the back of his head while pinching the bridge of his nose. It's just like Zuko to be the one to create an international incident that he had to clean up. Why couldn't the girl stop being so damn impulsive all the time! He snarled in his head. He would have to set everyone straight at the next meeting.
There was no way the line of Sozin would be corrupted by some mixed-up child no matter who desired his daughter. Zuko would bear a child for this kingdom and for Agni for that was her only reason for existing at this point, he grumbled.
After the next round of excitement, the Fire Lord quickly adjourned the meeting encouraging everyone to remember the protocols and to prepare for the lengthy meetings ahead of them over the next few days. He further mentioned that there would be important announcements the next morning.
Delegates bowed and exited still whispering and gossiping about what had taken place on the first volatile day of peace talks while others speculated about what the important announcements would be.
Later in her father's study, Zuko cowered slightly at the heavy deep red heat Ozai emitted. She knew that he was furious about what she did today. He paced the floor back and forth like a wild beast stalking and watching her.
She was pretty sure she would get struck any moment. She dared not breathe lest anything would set her father off in actions she would surely regret. He stopped. He glared at his daughter knowing she couldn't see him but she could feel him.
"You embarrassed us today," he said with deceptive calm. Zuko swallowed audibly. She knew. She couldn't find her voice to speak and realized that excuses wouldn't help her anyway.
She hung her head in the hopes her father would realize that she was penitent.
"What kind of whore throws herself on other men because they shower them with attention and trinkets?" he snarled. Zuko sat up in surprise.
No matter how angry her father got with her he never dared to speak down to her in such a common language. Ozai, however, was just getting started.
"I find it strange that by some miracle you are actually a virgin. I was certain you had no self-respect and gave yourself to anyone who was willing. Now I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps the good doctor was covering for you." he said turning to his desk.
He reached into the beautifully decorated box he received from the earth king and fingered the ornate blade darkly. He held the blade in his hand and turned to Zuko. The princess sensed the cool metal contrast against her father's dangerously unstable heat and knew he had a weapon. Her breathing hitched slightly.
Ozai drew much too close to his daughter. He allowed the tip of the blade to rest just slightly against her throat. She sat paralyzed in fear. Zuko felt Ozai's breath on her face and trembled uncontrollably. Zuko knew if she moved too much or reacted too violently her father could easily end her without another thought and make up any excuse about how it happened.
Ozai's mouth curled into a malicious grin. He could feel the terror radiating off of his daughter and would not let this opportunity pass.
"Why shouldn't I kill you right now, whore? I could be rid of you and blame it on the Earth king who couldn't stand the thought of being rejected by a blind and disfigured princess. His would be a crime of passion and there wouldn't be a soul from either country who would disbelieve it after your shameful display today." he ground.
Zuko felt like she would faint. Was that her father's plan? To end her and blame it on the Earth King? It wouldn't be the first time something like that has happened in the Fire Nation.
As Ozai pressed the extraordinarily sharp blade just a little closer to the point of blood beading on the surface of Zuko's skin, there was a knock at the door. He placed his hand on Zuko's mouth in warning and waited. There was another knock on the door and this time Iroh spoke,
"Brother it's me, I need to speak with you, unless...ah, you are otherwise indisposed?" he said implying that Ozai may have been with one of his concubines at the moment. Ozai huffed in scorn and called back.
"No, I was just having a chat with my daughter. I'll be done in a moment." He leaned in close once again his hand still on her mouth with a malevolent warning.
"Speak a word of this, and I will finish what I started before the sun rises," he threatened. Zuko shook violently like a leaf blown in a spring squall. She nodded as stably as she could but couldn't speak out of fear that her voice would betray her.
Her father backed away from her wiping her blood off of the blade and replacing it in the box. She wobbled to stand and tried to steady herself before opening the door.
As Zuko exited, she pushed out of the room with her head down in the hopes her uncle wouldn't see her distress, or notice the string of blood on her neck and question her about it. She brushed past the old general quickly down the hall to her chambers walking as if Koh the face stealer was behind her.
He sighed in relief. Iroh made it just in time. Toph ran to him only moments before when she felt Zuko's distress and panic as she was walking by the study. She told Iroh how Ozai was threatening Zuko with some sort of weapon and she was in true danger.
She had a feeling from the afternoon's meeting that Fire Lord was furious at how happy Zuko was to receive the gift from her old teacher. He was never happy when Zuko was given the attention he thought should belong to him.
The little earth bender knew that could only mean trouble for her friend later and she was right, too right. Iroh shook his head sadly as he entered his brother's study to pretend, he had something else important to tell him.