The Fire Nation had a long and proud tradition of Fire Princes usurping the throne. Be it by stealth or in open defiance- a transition was more likely to occur via the determined hand of a loved one rather than the indifferent hand of time.
There was a certain amount of hidden relief from many holding official responsibilities when the banished prince returned and killed his father. A ruler whose only valid heir was a female left the future far too unsure and conflicted. Assassination made things far simpler- far more efficient.
As Mai surveyed the bureaucrats scuttling about the palace grounds from the marble steps of her residence across the way, she allowed herself to feel a strange calm wash over her. These people operated independently of the chaos that brewed around a fresh ascension, they neither worried or cared about anything. Delays were expected. Problems resulted in nothing but an enacted contingency
In a quiet palace study, in stark contrast to the unaccountable middlemen outside, Zuko sat behind a pile of scrolls frantically tearing through decisions, approvals and corrections that were apparently essential for the nation to avoid falling in to a bottomless pit of despair.
Fire Lord Zuko had spent the past three days split between official meetings in the Fire Lord's chamber and the endless stamping of scrolls, leaving little time to eat or sleep. He was becoming increasingly distant from everyone, and increasingly snappy when anyone even hinted that he would not be able to continue operating at the rate he was currently subjecting himself to. The noblewoman was becoming tired of Zuko's attitude, and believed that after three days of no sleep and shortened meals it was time for him to finally learn his lesson.
"My Lord, I trust your efforts these past few days have been fruitful." Mai stood tall in the doorway of the room, her hands joined together under her golden robe- the picture of noble poise.
Zuko was dishevelled, while he maintained a dignified air within the chamber his true emotional state seeped through when in relative privacy. "Mai- they just keep coming. As soon as I finish one pile, two more have appeared. It's impossible- how am I supposed to rule the nation when all of my day is filled with endless stamping?"
Mai glided over to the table, removing a single scroll from the top of the largest pile. "Yan Sen Wei, of the Sen Wei family is currently tasked with the responsibilities of new developments, restorations and foreign trade- such documents are indicated with the green, blue and yellow markers." Mai motioned towards three enormous piles, two on Zuko's desk and one tucked away in a corner.
"...Yan was one of the most devote supporters of Ozai, he has undoubtedly sent you queries relating to the restoration of every fountain, dock, statuette and outhouse currently residing within Fire Nation borders. As Fire Lord you would be advised to attach a note asking Yan to properly distribute already allocated funds on a national needs basis as per previous policy while taking in to account the cessation of hostilities with the other nations."
"So he sent me all of this as some kind of revenge?"
"If you to confront him he would simply assure you that 'he only wished to ensure that the new and courageous Fire Lord was not being kept ill-informed', and apologize profusely if he was too vigilant in his desire to please." Mai made her way over to an already completed pile of scrolls with white markers on their sides.
"...The white markers are from Sui Pi Chow- a perpetually nervous man, who likely is in desperate fear for his life and would benefit greatly from a speedy reply that you have no desire to make his decisions for him- as not doing so would undoubtedly result in his entire family going in to hiding. Pink scrolls will be carried out the same regardless of your choice, however making a choice that is disagreeable will result in an influx of purple 'correction' scrolls- it's much easier for all involved just to attach a note deferring to the wishes of the relevant minor officials."
Mai began rearranging piles, clearly in search of something important. "...However the pile of utmost importance will consist of several different colours each marked with a golden outline. These are urgent, variable, require royal assent and deal with overall policy decisions. Within this pile you will likely find a confirmation of troop withdrawal, reconciliation plans for each separate Water and Earth nation settlement, and likely a list of viable candidates for marriage." Having located the pile Mai placed the bundle of scrolls in to Zuko's arms, a satisfied smirk absent yet implied.
"And you are telling me this now as some kind of retribution for me demanding I be left alone?"
"If I was at all unsure that the nation would not automatically adjust policy to avoid your wrath then I would have given in sooner. Perhaps in future you would make use of the skills of those around you."
Zuko's brow quickly furrowed as he stared up at Mai. "You hate bureaucracy."
"Yes... but I don't hate you." Mai gracefully floated away, feeling a smile spread across her face that didn't actually appear.