~Chapter 18~

The Princess of Fire and the Prince of Spies

Iroh watched without really watching Amon and Mr. Sato talking at the other side of the room. He was curios about their topic of conversation but didn't want to chance crutching over and stopping their conversation. Also his mind was still replaying his last interaction with Korra. He was still thinking of her mocha skin against his when Amon tapped him on the shoulder.

"I have interesting news for you Iroh."

"Hmm?" Iroh looked up. "What news?"

"You have a family member in the city."

Iroh blinked. "I have quite a few in the city, Sozza is my aunt and her family is my family."

"Well more family in the city; your mother has descended from her golden throne to grace the city with her presence. She's holding a dinner tonight at Fire Nation embassy there would be quite a few important people there. Should I join the festivities?"

Iroh's gut reaction was faster than even he expected. In a flash his gun was at Amon's throat and his other hand was resting on his knife. The people around them look startled but did not move a muscle. Iroh spoke in a hushed tone with an edge he rarely ever used.

"Don't you dare even think about going near my mother." His finger curled around the trigger. "Give me your word that you will leave her alone or I will blow your brains out right here right now. Do you understand?"

Amon nodded. "Yeah I understand and respect that. I loved my mother, Yue rest her soul, I would never want anything to happen to her. She's your mother and so she's off the table as a target"

"So I have your word that you will not raised a finger to harm her."

Amon took a heavy breath. "I wouldn't even raise a finger nail against her. You have my word."

"And we'll delay your big event until we can guarantee her safety?"
Amon nodded. "Yes, we'll delay the plan."

Iroh lowered his weapon. "Good I'm glad we got that cleared up."

Amon chuckled. "Yeah, and I got to know a little more about you spy prince. Family has apparently become much more important to the royal family since the days of Fire Lord Ozai."

Iroh's eyes narrowed. "Family is very important to me and my family. It was especially important to my father and aunt."

"Your Aunt Sozza the one who left the Fire Nation and barely looked back? That aunt?"

"No, I have two aunts." Iroh moved and grabbed his crutches. "And that's all I'm going to say about my family."

.o.

Sozza kissed Mako's forehead. "So you sure you'll be ok here with just Mama Lin here tonight? I can say if you want."

Mako looked down at his newly uncased arms before hiding them under some blankets. "No, you should go. You haven't seen your sister in quiet a few years."

Sozza rolled her eyes. "Technically she's a cousin and because of that I can avoid her little party."

Mako smiled. "Thanks mom but I really think you should go. Bo's super excited to go and he can't if you don't."

Sozza ruffled Mako's hair and gave him another kiss. "You're such a good big brother. I'm proud of you. Be good for Mama Lin and I'll be back later tonight. Love you see you later."

"See you later mom love you."

Sozza smiled giving her oldest one last kiss before walking out of his room and heading towards the front door; her heals clicking against the marble floor. Bolin was waiting at the door dressed in a suit with his hair minimally tamed with hair gel. Lin was smoothing down his collar making sure he looked presentable.

"Now, remember Bo, Korra's there as a Princess of two nations not the avatar so don't be surprised if she is a little more icy than normal. Rumor has it she has the court nick name of ice dragon which she probably didn't earn by being the warm fuzzy friend you know." Lin looked up at Sozza. "Well you look ready to party."

Sozza smirked. "Why of course I love a royal part thrown by Zumi post widowing. I mean she can suck the fun out of a room almost as good at the Chief of the Northern Water Tribe. Almost some times she dose show a little bit of life and if her brother's there I have hope."

Bolin frowned. "I'm more worried about Asami since the search of Future industries is still going on. One the bright side Mr. Sato is no longer imprisoned and coming to the party so that might put her in a good mood."

Sozza nodded. "Well she looked pretty happy when she proved that bomb wasn't made by her father or any of his factories."

Lin rolled her eyes. "Look, you two can stand here gabbing all night or actually go to the dinner and gab there?"

Sozza checked her watch. "You're right, we need to get going." She kissed Lin quickly. "Love you see you later."

.o.

Korra looked at the red silk dress on her bed with white gold jewelry placed strategically. One of Izumi's attendants had stopped by earlier with the dress and jewelry and instructions to wear them at the dinner. The only silver lining Korra saw was that the jewelry was purchased at the same shop that had resized her ring. Korra checked the time and sighed; she had only a few hours to get ready. Grumbling slightly she pulled out the massive make up kit and began transforming herself into the princess Izumi practically demanded.

It was a strange in Republic City she was known as a sports star with an almost devoid sense of fashion while her image in her home countries had been so groomed since birth she was a fashion icon. Some days Korra wondered whether people knew she was the avatar too. Korra still remembered the fit Izumi reportedly had when she saw the ruined dress Korra had worn to the ill-fated aquarium date. Korra put on her last earring and looked in the mirror; a princess stared back. She was once again lost under a pound of makeup.

.o.

"I've had some of my people look into your agent's finances and he has some interesting investments." Tarlok was loosely holding his drink talking to Sozza who was trying her best to come up with a reason to stop talk to him. "Why would he spend almost a half a million on a property in the south part of the republic?"

Sozza took a drink. "I have no idea why. He's a grown man he can do what ever he wants with his paycheck."

She was about to tell him to go soak his head when a hush came over the room. She turned to see Korra walking into the room draped in red silk escorted by her father. Korra look disinterested in everyone around her reminded Sozza of her adoptive mother Mai. Sozza turned back to see that Tarlok seemed to be entranced by the woman at least fifteen years his junior.

"Remember she's married." Sozza whispered before walking over and greeting the two royals.

.o.

Korra spoke to a few people in the reception before dinner was served and she was seated across from her father and next to two people she really didn't care about. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Izumi seated next to Mr. Sato and a United Forces officer she didn't recognize. For Korra dinner was as uneventful as ever, she didn't even have the added fun of swapping insults with Iroh or Lu Ten Jr. She glanced around noting that neither Lu Ten Jr. nor Sr. had joined them.

After dinner Korra stepped out to get some fresh air and looked out at the city. The sound to someone behind her brought her attention back towards the gathering. Councilman Tarlok leaned against the buildings exterior smirking.

"So this is what you really look like Avatar? A princess dripping with silk and precious metals; such a departure from your predecessors' more conservative tastes."

Korra turned away. "Well if you don't like what you see take it up with the Fire Lord not me."

Tarlok chuckled. "Glad to see that fire is still alive and well. When I saw you at the docks I was afraid it had been snuffed out." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "And I do like what I see."

Korra stepped away. "Then restrain yourself to looking."

Tarlok pouted. "Why Avatar it doesn't seem like you trust me anymore."

Korra drew herself up to her full height. "I never did and after what I learned about those Amon bombings I will make sure you hang for what you did."

"What I did?"

Korra smiled and crossed her arms. "Amon doesn't use the tech that was used to bomb those places. Interestingly I bet those remaining bits will match those used in that construction firm you own so much of."

Tarlok stepped closer. "Well if you've got the evidence why don't you have your friend Lin arrest me?"

Korra held her ground. "Because the police are still building the terrarium to house a snake like you."

.o.

Tarlok droved away fuming, keeping his eyes on the road but occasionally glancing in to the rearview mirror at the limp form in the back seat. A small stream of red trickled down the side of Korra's face.

A/N: Hey guys thanks for reading sorry it's taken so long to get back to this story but don't think I haven't been thinking about it. Comment if you feel so compelled and I'll see you all in the future!~ C.C.