Chapter 11: The Maneuver
Ciara walked up to Prince Zuko's door, hesitating for a moment, wondering is she should knock or ask him later. She sighed and mentally slapped herself for being stupid, forcing herself to knock on the door.
"Come in." answered a weary voice. Ciara opened the door slowly and walked in, making sure to close the door behind her. "Sorry to intrude on you…but I have something I need to talk to you about…" Ciara's voice trailed off, her eyes falling on the prince who was sitting down.
Zuko motioned her to sit down, his eyes falling on the tea that still sat on his desk. I'm going to have nightmares if I don't dump them… Zuko turned his gaze on Ciara, his stomach muscles tightening; wondering is she heard what Iroh said. He gave a weak smile and asked in almost calm voice, "What is it that you wish to talk about?"
Ciara sat down stiffly, wondering how she should tell him this. "Zuko, I feel like we're trapped…" she started out, her gaze on the prince. Zuko nodded, tell me about. Iroh has been forcing us to be together. He should relax and let a pro like me take control…
"I feel like we are going no where in this direction and we need to do something about it…" she continued. Zuko nodded eagerly, slightly leaning closer toward Ciara, yes go on. "Going on, I think we should steer ourselves-" Ciara added, reaching over to get something be her waist. "I do!" Zuko exclaimed, a broad smile playing on his face.
Ciara frowned, "You already know? I told Iroh that I would tell you about the plan. Well, I tell you anyway." Ciara took out a scroll, that showed the map, "We should go around the border. Too many ships on patrol, and I know they will stop you…so you agree we should?"
Zuko sighed; clearly she was talking about something different the whole entire time. Ugh, what an idiot I am… I am starting to act like that sissy boy, Sokka…always stupid and single-minded. Zuko smiled at Ciara, "Yes, I agree with the plans." Ciara beamed happily at Zuko, getting up from her seat.
"Great, I hope I'll see you soon on the deck." she replied, then leaned in toward Zuko and kissed his right cheek softly. But, by chance, Iroh was walking in to ask if they saw his lotus tile. "I knew it! It has been prophesied! I shall and I will get grandchildren! Yes, this better than 'the hunt.' Ah, I'm so proud of you too…this goes for a round of tea!" he exclaimed happily, making the guard walking through the hallway yelp in surprise of the sudden shout.