Chapter Seventeen

Khundes and the Fire Lord

Khundes and Azula lay in bed. Azula was asleep but Khundes wasn't. He couldn't believe he was back with her. He loved her so and it hurt him terribly when she decided to lie to him about wanting to break up with him.

Khundes thoughts were broken by a quiet knock on the door. Khundes stood up, threw on his robe, and opened the door. Standing in the doorway was Fire Lord Ozai. Khundes immediately bowed to the Fire Lord.

"My lord. Were you looking for Azula?" Khundes asked.

The Fire Lord shook his head. "I was actually looking for you Khundes. Will you walk with me?" Ozai asked.

"It would be an honor my lord," Khundes said and walked out the door. Khundes and The Fire Lord walked down a long, dark corridor in silence. Khundes didn't know what to say. Especially since he was sleeping in Azula's room with her. He thought for sure he was going to get banished or killed. "Have I done something my lord?" Khundes asked, dreading the answer.

Ozai chuckled. "No no my boy. I merely wanted to talk with you and find out of you are ok after the ordeal you've just been through with the prison's torturer," Ozai said.

"What would that be?" Khundes said.

"Oh please Khundes. You must be in some pain after being taken prisoner by the torturer," Ozai said.

Khundes couldn't believe what he heard. Azula did keep his secret. "I'm... a little sore but I'm fine," Khundes said.

"That is good. I cannot afford to have my future son-in-law dead," Ozai said.

Man, Khundes thought, The guy is a little over zealous isn't he?

"I am just glad Azula was there at the prison. You probably wouldn't have lasted in there. She said when she found you, you were weak and starving. You needn't be treated that way," Ozai said.

"Well... do you know why the torturer did this?" Khundes asked.

"As far as the other guards have found out he is angry with your father for banishing him from the Fire Nation's navy," Ozai said.

"I see," Khundes said and looked up at the Fire Lord. "But why do I get the feeling you had something else you wanted to tell me," Khundes said.

The Fire Lord laughed. "You are a perceptive one aren't you Khundes? It is actually more like me needing an opinion and a favor," Ozai said.

"You want an opinion from a 16 year old?" Khundes asked.

"Well your father gives good advice and since he is not here right now I am assuming you give advice that is just as good," Ozai said.

Khundes was dumbfounded. "Well... I can try. But I can't guarantee anything," Khundes said with a chuckle.

"I'll start with the opinion that I need," Ozai said.

"Alright," Khundes said.

"The eclipse is in a week. I need to know if you think I should go to the bunker in the volcano," Ozai asked.

That's a dumb question, Khundes thought. "With out a doubt I think you should. I've been hearing rumors of an invasion that is going to happen on that day," Khundes said.

"Yes. As have I. I am meeting with my advisors starting tomorrow. I want Azula and Zuko to go to Ember Island. Tell Azula and Zuko they may take whomever they please," Ozai said.

"I will my lord. Was that your favor you needed?" Khundes asked.

"No it wasn't," Ozai said.

"Well what is it my lord? If I can do it, I will," Khundes said.

"I worry about my daughter. She is a master at everything she does but one day I am worried she may fall," Ozai paused.

"And you want me to look out for her?" Khundes finished for the Fire Lord.

The Fire Lord nodded. "Yes. I have no doubts that Azula could take whatever was thrown her way but she needs someone to stand behind her and make sure she doesn't fall," Ozai said.

"Don't worry My Lord. I am going to be around her at all times. I swear to you, harm will not come to her," Khundes said.

"Azula has picked a fine young man that she wants to be with. I know you will not fail in what I have asked you to do for me Khundes. You be careful as well," Ozai said.

"As long as I have Azula's back, she will have mine. I have no doubts about that my lord," Khundes said.

"Very well. You go try and get a little more sleep. It will be an early day tomorrow," Ozai said.

Khundes bowed respectfully to The Fire Lord. Khundes watched as The Fire Lord walked away then proceeded back to Azula's room. When he entered the room and shut the door, he walked over to a chair by the window, sat down in it, and watched out the window at the horizon.