I want to just clarify that I am doing these edits to try and get back into Crystal's character, so some chapters will have more changes than others. This one has been fixed up but there is not a ton that was added. However, these edits are really helping me get back into this story again so i can finish it strong.

Thanks,

Faithy Waithy

Chapter 4: Boiling Tea

"Why?! I'll behave!"

I rushed after Zuko as he paced back and forth across the room pinching the bridge of his nose in either thought or aggravation.

"Come on Zuko! I've been cramped on this ship for three weeks now! Give me a break!" He stopped walking and I stepped in front of him trying to meet his eyes. "It's just a port! I don't want to be bored on a ship while repairs are being made! I need to stretch my legs."

"No!" He snapped. He walked past me over to his chest where he picked up his boots. "And Uncle gives you plenty of time to stretch your legs!"

"Zuko! Please! I need to walk around on a steady surface for a change! And I've never seen dry land before!"

The prince huffed and walked past me over to the cot he snagged from the vacant room next door. It was on the opposite wall from my own cot. As he plopped onto it, he yanked on his boots trying to ignore me.

Over the last three weeks, Zuko had actually become extremely civil toward me. He still chained me up when I was left unattended in the room, but he also was much more lenient about me walking on deck without my hands cuffed. Iroh had some to do with my small bit of freedom, but the fact the Zuko didn't argue against it meant he wasn't as bad as he could be.

A day after my spat with Zuko about him sitting in fire, I noticed that the young Fire Prince was being ten times kinder to me. I wasn't sure why, but I had an assumption it was because I'd earned respect from him. Zuko probably wasn't used to people arguing with or showing him up. I'd basically left him speechless when he couldn't argue against my drowning statement.

In all honesty, over the last three weeks Zuko and I had strangely been getting along. We didn't talk much to one another, but when we did it was always pretty calm and peaceful. My fever had finally left completely twenty-four hours after our spat. Once my fever left me, Zuko decided he'd given me enough space and that he wanted his room back. He missed sleeping on a cot in a familiar setting, but he refused to give me another room. He said that he didn't feel like installing another cuff to keep me chained to the wall. Instead, he had one of his men carry in a spare cot, stating while flustered, "It's either this or the cell!"

Being cabin-mates wasn't that bad after the first two nights. The first night Zuko and I slept in the same room, I blushed bright red when I saw him rip his shirt off. Surprisingly, Zuko had a strong build underneath his clothes and I couldn't help but stare. He shot me a puzzled look when he felt my eyes on him, and I quickly rolled away staring at the wall with burning hot skin. I could've sworn I heard him chuckle, but I pretended it was just the noises of the ship.

The second night was much more eventful. As the both of us slept, I felt something rub against my exposed arm waking me from my dream. Staring in the dim room, I noticed from what light seeped in through the door cracks a black shape scuttle across my cot. When I heard it squeak, that's when I screamed bloody murder. Zuko was quick to stumble off his cot while I kicked and thrashed in the dark squealing my lungs out. He lit a torch on the wall, and that's when I screamed louder.

A strange black furred creature about four inches tall with a long pink tail and piercing red eyes looked straight at me. I screamed some more having never seen such a creature before. Iroh must've heard the screams from down the hall, because as Zuko rushed around the room trying to catch the creature, the door to the room was thrust open and a half asleep man ran inside. The beast ran out of the room faster than I'd seen an animal move. While I breathed heavily to gather myself, Zuko scolded me for piercing his eardrums over a stupid mouse-rat. Iroh assured me he'd place some traps on the ship tomorrow that would keep the creatures away from me. After things calmed and Iroh left for bed, Zuko shook his head in disbelief. "You're such a girl," he had muttered as he went back to bed himself.

That was a little under two weeks ago. After that our nights had been quiet and peaceful. Zuko respected me by leaving me space, and I respected him by doing the same.

"You are staying on this ship, in this room, with your ankle chained! End of conversation!"

Currently we were at a Fire Nation port so Zuko's massive ship could be repaired. He informed me that the avatar and my family had done quite a number on the front of his ship when an avalanche fell due to the Avatar. He wouldn't be able to continue on their trail without proper maintenance. He had also informed me that he and Iroh were leaving the ship to go buy supplies. When I heard, I felt enough courage to ask if I could go. If I somehow said something to anger Zuko, he would just usually scowl and ignore me, so I wasn't worried about earning his wrath. My pleas to leave the ship earned me a rolling of eyes instead.

"Can't I at least see the land?!"

Zuko stood after his boots were on and walked over to the chain. I pouted and plopped down on the cot with defeat, knowing Zuko wouldn't let me have my way today. He walked over to me and knelt so he could chain me like always. I lifted my dress automatically to expose my lower leg. Zuko clamped the cuff around my ankle and then stood to leave. "I'll let you see it when we depart. Last thing I want is you finding a way to escape while we're here."

As he headed towards the door, I sighed heavily and fell back on the cot staring up at the ceiling. "What am I supposed to do while you're gone?"

He opened the door stepping into the hall. Turning towards me before he shut me in, I saw him gaze at me with a smirk. "You're already doing it. Stay in this room and behave. That will be loads of fun." He shut the door then, leaving me alone, chained to a wall. I frowned wishing I had water to slice the cuff in half.

As I stared at the ceiling with boredom, I decided to look back on my memories to pass time. While I reminisced on memories about my family, I began to realize I was more homesick than I wanted to believe. The thought of Sokka and Katara sent my gut twisting inside me. I wanted to see them, and I wanted to be with them. I missed my dad too. He probably had no clue I was even captured on a Fire Nation vessel. I wanted to be with my dad, my Gran-Gran, and the rest of my family. I prayed they were all okay.

Thirty minutes passed of me staring at the ceiling longing for my family. Then just as I thought I was alone in my prison, the door swung open again and I was greeted by an irritated prince. He stormed over to me with keys in his hand. I sat up with question as he undid my ankle cuff.

"Put your shoes on," he muttered.

My eyes widened and I felt my heart bounce with elation. Scrambling to my feet, I rushed across the room to grab my boots and yank them on. When I had them on, I turned back to Zuko to follow him out. As I turned, I felt something get thrown at my face. Catching it when it bounded off, I saw it was a red coat made out of thick material.

"It's cold outside. Can't have you freezing to death."

Nodding, I pulled on the coat. Zuko then gestured for me to follow him, and I did just that. As we headed down the hall, Zuko explained.

"Don't think I have anything to do with this! Uncle was practically pestering me to let you come along. I have a few conditions though." He kept walking, and I stumbled to keep up. "You stay by my side, don't talk to anyone, and any sign of escape will have you back in a cell by the end of the day! Am I clear?"

"Crystal."

Zuko growled. "Am I clear, Crystal?"

I was stumped at his repeated question, but then giggled when I realized why he was asking me again. "No… I meant crystal clear. It's an expression."

The Fire Nation prince slowed his pace, and I saw his shoulders slump. He realized his mistake and crossed his arms in embarrassment. After a moment of what I assumed was him being flustered, he snapped, "Just behave!"

The two of us headed side by side down the hall. The closer we got to the stairwell that led down to the ships ramp, I was practically holding in the urge to jump with thrill. I was about to see dry land! All I'd ever seen in my fifteen years was snow, so dry land would be so exciting.

"One more thing," Zuko began. We were heading to the lower hall of the ship to get to the ramp at the front of the vessel. "Keep your head down and don't look at anyone. Your eyes will give away your nation, and the last thing I need is everyone trying to capture my waterbender."

I was shocked when I blushed after hearing his last two words. He didn't notice that he had flustered me. While he pulled me along, I looked at him with a mixture of question and amazement. I had no clue why his words sent a burning sensation through my blood. I knew what he really meant was he didn't want his prisoner taken away from him, but he should've rephrased his words a little. His touch only grew hotter the closer we got to the already lowered ramp.

Eventually we began to head down the ramp, and I was forced to blink harshly to try and adjust my sight from the blazing sun. The cold hit me, but it was far from the freezing chill at the South Pole. The coat I wore kept me pretty warm, and I was thankful Zuko had thrown it in my face.

Finally my eyes adjusted, and I marveled at the sight before me. Apart from the Fire Nation's structures, equipment, and massive ships, I could see a beautiful land I'd only heard stories about. There were mountains jutting out of the ground and expanding to the left and right. The mountains were brown and rocky, covered only in certain areas by snow. When I got off the ramp, my feet hit solid hard dirt instead of deep endless snow. There were thin patches of snow around us, but mostly the earth was dirt and rock. I playfully kicked at a rock and watched it roll a few feet away. I'd seen rocks before, but not on and inside the earth like I was now.

"You're so weird," he muttered beside me as I kicked another one.

I ignored him and knelt to the ground as another new discovery filled me with thrill. A mass of greenish-yellow strands stuck out of the earth. I knew this was grass. I plucked a piece of the thin flora, amazed by its color. I felt thrilled. I wasn't touching snow! For once in my life I had something dry in my hand!

"It's so strange," I said in awe. "It's like the straw we use for kindle at home, but not as rough.."

Zuko raised a brow at me. "It's just a piece of grass."

I blushed at his statement. Quickly I dropped the grass and crossed my arms self-consciously. "Sorry... I know for you it's completely familiar, but for me... Well, everything not South Pole is foreign."

He seemed to take in what I said, and then he nodded slowly. "You'll have tons more to see then. The Earth Kingdom only gets greener from here on out."

A wide smile pulled on my face. Zuko started to head towards where he saw Iroh conversing with a few men from the crew. I followed quickly at his heel, still marveling at the new world around me.

"Ah! Zuko! Crystal!" Iroh stepped away from the men and met us halfway. He seemed elated to see I had arrived with his nephew. "I've been waiting for you two."

Zuko ignored his Uncle's thrill to see us and went into full command mode. "Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."

My feet had stopped when I saw a strange bug on the ground. I grinned and knelt down watching the tiny creature slowly scoot by. It had a colorful circle shell and a slimy body.

"You mean the Avatar?"

"Don't mention his name on these docks! Once word gets out that he's alive every firebender will be out looking for him and I don't want anyone getting in the way."

I continued to examine the creature and lowered my hand to the ground in front of it. Iroh spoke to Zuko again as I did so:

"You need to stop worrying all the time Prince Zuko. I mean, look at our companion!"

Zuko went to snap at his Uncle but stopped. Instead, his shadow seemed to fall over me. "What are you doing?!"

I'd placed my hand on the ground and the strange bug had slowly climbed up my skin. When it was rested in my palm, I stood to face my captor. Holding up my hand, I said, "Look! It's so cool!"

His shoulders slumped in disbelief. "It's a rock-snail… They're not-"

I was so excited by my new discovery, I didn't let him finish. "I've never seen one before! Are there a lot in the Earth Kingdom?"

He grabbed my wrist suddenly and pulled me towards him. I looked up at his face to see curiosity. "So a mouse-rat will make you scream at the top of your lungs, but a rock-snail can touch you no problem?" He looked deep into my eyes, and I couldn't help but be lost in his warm amber orbs. "You are by far the strangest girl I have ever met."

The heat from his touch made me blush. I looked down at the rock-snail flustered by his words. I tried to make a joke because the situation felt awkward. "You must not meet a lot of girls then."

He narrowed his eyes at me. His index finger and thumb picked up the creature by the shell and I saw him grimace in disgust. "Stop playing with bugs. There are more important things to do." He dropped the creature back on the ground in a small patch of snow. It disappeared as it was buried underneath.

"Party pooper," I muttered. Iroh chuckled at our interaction.

Zuko rubbed his hand on his pants to get rid of the rock-snail's slime. "New rule: Don't touch anything else on the ground!"

Pouting, I hung my head in defeat.

He inched his face towards me. "Understood?"

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered. He let my wrist go finally and I crossed my arms.

"Well, well… Prince Zuko. What a pleasant surprise." Shivers suddenly raced through me as a cold and very low voice spoke.

The three of us turned to see our approaching intruder. The man before me was in his mid-forties, with graying dark brown hair in a top-knot. He had sideburns that framed his face and jutted out to the side. His amber eyes were lighter than Zuko's, but much more malicious.

Zuko stepped in front of me slightly, probably to shield me from the man to hide my water tribe ethnicity. "Captain Zhao," he acknowledged with distaste.

"It's Commander now," Zhao spoke with arrogance. He turned to Iroh with a polite bow. "And General Iroh, great hero of our nation."

Honestly, I wasn't surprised to find out Iroh's importance. His stories about the numerous battles he fought were enough to reveal his value to me. However, I could hear arrogance in Zhao's tone. Clearly he was not a friend of Iroh's in anyway.

Iroh gave a tight smile, "Retired General."

"The Fire Lord's brother and son are welcome guests any time," the man insisted. He then glanced at the young prince before him. "What brings you to my harbor?"

Iroh answered for his nephew. "Our ship is being repaired."

Zhao snapped his eyes across the naval yard we stood in to the ship that was steaming at the bow. Men were already busy removing broken parts from the massive vessel. "That's quite a bit of damage."

The Prince in front of me seemed to panic for a moment, but quickly collected himself. "Yes… You wouldn't believe what happened!" He nudged his Uncle in the arm with his elbow. "Uncle! Tell commander Zhao what happened."

I watched the two flustered men trying to hide my amusement. Iroh quickly tried to come up with something. "Yes! I will do that! It was incredible!" He stopped though, quickly asking Zuko softly, "What… Did we crash or something?"

Zuko quickly took over. "Uh yes! Right into an Earth Kingdom ship!"

Zhao looked between Iroh and Zuko seeing through their lies entirely. He covered up his knowledge though, playing along. "Really? You must regale me on all the thrilling details!" He leaned towards Zuko with a smirk, as if daring him to refuse. "Join me for a drink?"

The young prince reached behind him and grabbed my lower arm to prepare to pull me away. "Sorry, but we have to go." He turned and began to force me away, back towards the ramp of the ship. His grip hurt and his pull was too fast. I stumbled to keep up.

"Prince Zuko! Show commander Zhao your respect!" Zuko stopped walking and I stumbled over the same pile of snow he'd dropped the bug in falling to my knees. My captor had learned over the last few weeks that I was a total clutz, so feeling me fall on the ground didn't faze him. "We would be honored to join you. Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite."

Zuko scowled and yanked me back up to my feet. I stumbled to balance myself.

The sound of footsteps stomping across the stone earth echoed towards us. "That's no way to treat a young woman, Prince Zuko."

The hand on my arm tightened as Zuko turned towards the man he clearly didn't like. "And you would know better, Commander?" He spat out the last part with distaste.

Zhao smirked. I kept my head down trying my best to hide my eyes. "Of course." He stepped forward and I shrunk as I realized just how much taller he was than myself. His eyes rested on the scar that stretched from my cheekbone down to my collar bone. "What is your name, miss?"

My captor released me once more and inched in front of me. "She's not your concern Zhao."

He wasn't surprised by Zuko's defense. It amused him. "And why is that Prince Zuko? Because she's your prisoner?"

My eyes widened. Zuko tensed. He stepped further in my path to block me from the man who had discovered the truth. "How would you know that?"

Zhao sneered. "I've been around much longer than you. I know well what blue eyes and a darker complexion mean. The females of the Water Tribe are known for their grace and beauty. This girl is no different." He stepped forward to size-up Zuko. "My question is, why is the girl your prisoner? I wouldn't think you'd be one for taking on captives."

To our relief, Iroh stepped in. "The girl was aboard the Earth Kingdom ship we crashed into. She fell overboard and one of our men jumped in to save her. We couldn't return her so we decided to keep her prisoner."

The man looked between Iroh and Zuko with disbelieving eyes, but he didn't question them any further. "Well, we wouldn't want you to lose your prisoner then. Bring her along for tea."

"I think I'll just take her back to her cell on board," Zuko argued. "She's had enough fresh air for one day."

Zhao narrowed his eyes. "That wasn't a suggestion."

The Prince, who still had a tight grip on me, glowered at his opponent with irritation. "And if I refuse?"

Zhao smirked. "Then I'll just take the girl off your hands."

My eyes widened. Zhao would make me his prisoner? What would he do to me?

I knew in that moment Zuko could easily defy Zhao and shove me right over to the man. Instead, Zuko pulled me closer to his side saying through his teeth, "Tea sounds great."

Zhao seemed disappointed that I wouldn't be his new captive. "I guess I was wrong... I assumed you didn't care for the girl." He shrugged. "Ah well." He turned to Iroh. "Shall we?"

Iroh looked back at Zuko with hard eyes. Zuko nodded as they shared a moment of understanding. Iroh then started to follow Zhao as the cruel man headed deeper into the naval yard.

"Come on," Zuko said softly. "There's nothing we can do now. Just keep your head down."

"What will he do to me..." I shivered. "I mean... What will he do if he finds out I'm a waterbender?"

The young man, barely older than myself, looked at me with determination and resolve. "I won't let him do anything. He won't get his hands on you. You're my prisoner."

I wasn't sure why I felt so at ease with Zuko despite being his captive. However, being Zuko's prisoner sounded ten times better than being Zhao's. Maybe because I had gotten to know Zuko more over the last few weeks? Maybe because he was trying to go after Aang and my family, so if I stuck with them I'd hopefully find them?

However, despite his promise to protect me, I was starting to get a little irritated as well. The way he spoke to Zhao about me made me feel a bit dehumanized. I could tell, despite the cordial relationship we had developed over my captivity, I would never be anything more than just his prisoner.

With discontent, we both followed the two older men deeper into the naval yard. The further we got from port, the more uncomfortable I found myself. I was being forced deeper into the enemies playing ground. We passed numerous large red tents, huge machines I had never seen before, and also something long built into the ground, made of wood with wooden boards between. I asked Zuko softly since we were a little ways back from the men we followed what it was for. He told me it was a track they used to travel and move supplies on, and it was stretched from this naval yard to one about twenty miles away.

The advancement of the Fire Nation's technology petrified me. They seemed to have so many different tools for their war, and I felt my heart ache as I realized just how weak and naive my tribe was to the true dangers of our enemy.

Zuko sensed I had gone stiff. We slowed a little more in step. The more naval officers we passed, the more dread I felt flow inside me. I was surrounded by men who were far from my own people. I was in a whole new world. My enemies were everywhere…. firebender were everywhere…

"Please…" I suddenly whispered. "Don't leave me here…"

Zuko had been pulling me along still, but he stopped in surprise. He noticed my body trembled with terror beneath his hand. He tried to reassure me. "Don't worry... Iroh and I won't let anyone here touch you."

I nodded, but still shook at the possibilities.

Eventually Zhao led us to a giant tent at the center of the naval yard. The tent was held down my numbers of ropes and there was an insignia for the Fire Nation on the flaps. Two naval officers grabbed onto the flaps and pulled them apart to open the way in. When we stepped inside, I had to adjust my vision to the candlelight that illuminated the dark space. There were four chairs in the room set up in a semi-circle. They faced the wall of the tent where a massive poster of the four nations was hung.

"Take a seat," Zhao ordered. "I'll return shortly with some refreshments."

With no other choice, the three of us complied. Zhao turned and left the tent to go do whatever he really needed to do. I had a feeling he wasn't going to just get us refreshments from the way his mouth twisted.

Zuko and Iroh quickly started to speak to one another. Zuko scolded his uncle for accepting the invitation, while Iroh replied back that he was trying to not arouse suspicion.

"Uncle! This won't be good if Zhao finds out about her. One hint that she's a waterbender, and he'll do everything in his power to take her from us!"

Iroh tried to calm his nephew. "He won't find out. And even if he does, I highly doubt Commander Zhao has any interest in a waterbender. We'll just tell him she's from the North Pole. He won't be as interested. There are still many waterbenders up north, and it is not illegal for her to be one within that powerful tribe."

I shrunk in my wooden chair knowing Iroh was wrong. He was saying it to calm me, but I could see right through his lies. He knew as much as the rest of us: if Zhao found out I could waterbend I'd be shipped straight off to the Fire Lord or some terrible prison. Despite being from the North or South Pole, I was still nothing but a threat to the Fire Nation.

At least Katara was safe though...

A good twenty minutes passed by that we sat in the tent anxiously waiting for Zhao to return. The faster we got through this tea time, the sooner we could return to the ship. The man did return finally, and behind him followed a younger soldier with a tray of tea. He must've been a rookie or something to be assigned such a task.

"Sorry for the wait. I had my finest chef brew you some Ginseng Tea as requested," Zhao said.

The server placed the tray of tea on a low table and poured each one of us a cup. Zhao was the one to pass the tea around to us. When his hand extended towards me for my cup, I shakily took it in my grasp. When the cup was out of his hold, he leaned forward so his face was only a few inches from my own.

"Hope it's not too hot for your water tribe taste. Wouldn't want you to burn yourself." His eyes flashed to my scar briefly after he spoke.

He turned from me and as he walked across the room I glared daggers at his back. As Zhao began to break into a long conversation about the Fire Nation's recent actions towards taking over the Earth Kingdom, I tried to sip my tea. I didn't really like Ginseng Tea, but I refused to show disgust in fear I'd be punished for disrespect. While I sipped down the burning hot liquid, I was utterly relieved when I managed to drink it all. I was scared of the consequences if I did not accept Zhao's kindness in full.

"The Earth Kingdom city of Ba Sing Se is the last massive fortress we must break through to destroy what hope remains. Once our troops break through the city and overtake it, then we will be victorious. The Fire Nation will be unstoppable and by year's end the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule. The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war."

I placed my teacup down by my feet so I could hide the horror on my face behind my hair. By year's end! We only had a few months! I had to tell Aang! The Avatar needed to know this!

"If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool."

The words that left Prince Zuko's mouth completely took me off guard. I had sat back up at this point to see Zuko's face form with irritation. Then his words caused me bewilderment. He'd just called his own father a fool?!

My eyes looked over at the Prince with awe. How could someone who wanted honor from his father so terribly speak those very words?

Zhao scowled. "Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue." He paused. "Speaking of which… how is your search for the Avatar going?"

During the process of Zhao's long speech, Iroh had gotten up to examine a rack of weapons against the tent wall. When he heard Zhao's question to Zuko, he freaked for a moment and caused the weapons to crash to the ground. The sound of the metal echoed through the air making everyone jump.

Iroh immediately held up his hands in apology. "My fault entirely!" Embarrassed, he returned to his seat leaving the fallen weapons sprawled on the ground.

Zuko recovered from the interruption, and muttered, "We haven't found him yet."

The man sneered. "Did you really expect to? The Avatar died a hundred years ago along with the rest of the airbenders."

My fists clenched at his words. I'd heard stories about the Fire Nation killing everyone in the Air Nation. For a hundred years airbenders had been extinct. It was an utter miracle when Aang appeared on our snowy shore; airbenders had been unseen since the beginnings of the war.

"Unless you found some evidence that the Avatar is alive."

The room fell deadly silent for a moment. Zhao had literally blocked off Zuko's escape by pressing his hands on the arms of the chair and leaning towards Zuko. He had Zuko cornered. The prince didn't seem to waver from his goal to keep the Avatar's existence secret.

"No," Zuko finally said. "Nothing."

I felt utter relief that Aang's existence was being kept from the evil man before us.

Zhao scowled, stepping back from the chair. "Prince Zuko, the Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war. If you have an ounce…" He leaned toward Zuko again with sharp eyes. "Of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you've found."

Zuko crossed his arms and smirked. "I haven't found anything. It's like you said… The Avatar probably died a long time ago." He stood then, grabbing my forearm and yanking me up from my chair. "Come on, Uncle, we're going." He jerked me sharply towards the exit, and I stumbled to keep up with him. Two guards who were positioned inside the tent shot their spears across one another in our path. They blocked us from leaving, and the prince scowled, tightening his grip on my arm in frustration as he was forced to halt. I cringed as his grip was starting to hurt.

Suddenly, a guard swiftly entered the tent, stopping and standing on the other side of the spears. He held a rolled up parchment in his hand. "Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape."

My breathing hitched and I felt my knees shake. No… Zhao knew… This wasn't good…

"Also, we questioned about the girl as well. The crew members say she was taken prisoner at the Southern Water Tribe. She is the last waterbender of her people. Prince Zuko had plans to take the girl to his father with the Avatar."

Zuko scowled, his grip on my arm tightening more than it ever had before. I winced from the painful pressure.

"A waterbender…? The last waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe… You should've been wiped out or captured with the raids," Zhao spoke. Zuko turned us sharply so we were facing the man who eyed me with desire. "The Fire Lord would definitely give honor to the one who brings you to him." He looked at Zuko with determination. "I'll gladly take her off your hands."

I felt my blood go cold. Zuko inched me behind his tall body to block me slightly from the man. "She's my prisoner, and none of your concern."

Zhao sneered. "Oh really… She your plaything or something? I'm certain your time on the ship does get rather lonely."

I was shocked by his assumption. My breathing hitched at the thought… how could this man be so vulgar?

His question made Zuko's hold on my arm burn as his hands heated up. The prince held his ground. "She's my prisoner. Nothing more."

"If she's just a prisoner, then taking her off your hands shouldn't affect you all that much."

Iroh finally stepped in for the first time since our meeting. "Commander Zhao… As far as the law is concerned, this young lady is rightfully Zuko's property. It would be a crime to take away what belongs to him, even if he is banished from the Fire Nation. Zuko has every right to keep his prisoner in his possession."

Zhao scowled. "Very well, Iroh… We'll discuss this topic later." He turned back to Zuko with narrowed eyes. "Now remind me… How exactly was your ship damaged?"