Sorry for the delay, but hopefully I'll have more time now that I am out of school. Of course, I have no idea how my hours will be at my new job, but writng will be a big priority for me. After a lot of thought, I decided to put Toph into my writing but how? You will see. I like her. Zuko Alone ripped my heart out, Azula is a sociopath and Ursa is the world's best mummy! Now off to this chapter. The theme of this chapter is parenting, and what makes people choose the paths they have in life. It was a tough one to write, and one impossible to write without the help of Spleef, Sarah and Celtic! Dedicated to Badgirl, who gets a huge hug! Also, a big plot point will be revealed. Zuko's good luck is about to change courses!
Break Me
I never thought I'd change my opinion again
But you moved me in a way that I've never known
But straight away you just moved into position again
You abused me in a way that I've never known
God, don't you know that I live with a ton of regret?
'Cause I used to move you in a way that you've never known
But then I accused you in a way that you've never known
But you've hurt me in a way that I've never known...
Break me shake me hate me, take me over
When the madness stops then you will be alone
--Savage Garden
"Any word from your royal brother and when he will be coming home?" Kalyan asked, sipping a delicate cup of tea. Devdan's brother had decided to behave as if he cared about Princess Hotaru by inviting her to dine with them. Devdan had attended, just to see the fireworks.
"The siege is going well, Prince Kalyan. I am sure he will return with the Northern Crown in a few short weeks. He then plans to visit the kingdom of Nusku, the former city-state of Omashu," Princess Hotaru said, smirking. She looked more beautiful and regal than usual, her crimson gown and gold jewelry making effective armor for this particular battle.
"It is hoped your highness will giving Omashu back as a wedding present," Kalyan said, his voice growing low with anger. "But let us turn to more pleasant matters. Please…inform me about yourself. I would love to know everything about my lovely bride to be," he continued softly. Devdan wondered at Kalyan's ability to lie so well.
Princess Hotaru fanned herself. "I enjoy sailing, looting, pillaging, combat," she said placidly as Kalyan choked on his tea. "The usual."
"Wow, you two have so much in common. Now if she'd only learn to rant for hours, I foresee a home of matrimonial bliss," Devdan said sweetly.
"Shut it, Devvie. My apologies, Princess. Some people have not yet learned manners," Kalyan snapped, glaring at Devdan furiously. There would be a long lecture tonight. "Sometimes I wonder about him."
Princess Hotaru nodded. "I must confess I wonder about him too," she said with a rather lusty smile and a blush in her pretty cheeks. Devdan smirked, knowing what she was thinking about.
Kalyan looked put off at that expression, furious to lose the spotlight. "Yes, he does have some peculiarities in him. It must come from his mother's side of the family," he sneered, a cold smile oozing off his lips.
Devdan paled at that comment, as the hand holding the teacup shook. He knew what was coming. "Surely, the Princess has little interest in our parents. Such a boring story, Prince Kalyan. Why not tell her about the time you killed a tiger-wolf?" he whispered, trying to keep his voice steady.
Kalyan knew he had Devdan against the rocks. Devdan could feel his satisfaction. "Oh, she doesn't want to hear about that. What woman wants to hear the gory details of a hunt?" he asked arrogantly.
Devdan wondered if he knew how deadly Princess Hotaru was. This girl had killed men with her bare hands. A hunt would be boring to someone who had tracked the ultimate prey. This should be interesting. At least, it would distract him from his wish to pound his brother to sand.
Princess Hotaru's golden eyes glittered. "I'm sure it wasn't too gory, sir. That would have meant having to get your hands dirty, a humiliation I know you could not have endured," she said delicately, daggering her words appropriately.
Kalyan's lip curled, obviously displeased with his bride to be. "Contrary to convention, Princess, I do dirty my hands from time to time. The affairs of state require me to do so, though I always clean up after. Although Devdan here will always be dirty. Won't you, Devvie?" he snickered.
Devdan gripped his teacup. "Of course. Nothing like the dirt to remind a man of reality. And it's only those who live in the clouds that are ashamed of it," he said quietly, his tone dripping with hatred.
"And you would know, Devdan. Seeing as how you were born in the dirt," Kalyan simpered cruelly, digging the knife deeper.
Princess Hotaru leaned forward, her voice going softer. "Prince Kalyan, why don't you tell me about this tiger wolf? I know enough about dirt. I want to know all about you," she said seductively, batting her eyes flirtatiously.
"Of course, Princess. There I was alone in the forest, armed with only a small machete. It was quiet, too quiet. If was as if all life had just dropped off the edge of the world. I knew my prey was near. Slowly, ever so slowly I continued to walk forward my ears tuned, listen for the slightest rustle of leaves. A hunter is always aware, your highness, his senses made one with the world around him. As I waited for the tiger-wolf to make its move, I could feel the charge in the air, the intoxicating drive of adrenaline and anticipation. This day would be mine," he droned on self-importantly.
Devdan could not help him himself, he let out a low snort of mirth at the look of boredom on Princess Hotaru's exquisite face. If his brother were any more long-winded, he would split his sides. This quickly died when Kalyan whirled on him, rage blatantly written across his face. "You dare laugh?" he demanded, his brown eyes narrowing.
"Kalyan, I merely laugh at your storytelling abilities, not our skill in battle," Devdan quickly said, feeling the same childish feelings of terror when seeing his brother.
"Silence! I do not want to hear your excuses. You have been giving them to mother and me since the day you were brought to us, you miserable wretch!" Kalyan shouted, his face tinged with fury. He was positively terrifying when angry.
"Kalyan I meant no harm..." Devdan stuttered, knowing he had pushed his brother too far. He would suffer now.
"Do not address me so informally, whoreson! Just remember you are some left over weed adopted by my long-suffering mother. Haven't you caused enough damage?" Kalyan said icily, "You should be in the mines somewhere, not sitting with a beautiful princess."
The color drained from Devdan's face. He began to shake with rage. Before he could help it, the teacup in his hand burst apart. Startles he looked down to his hand, which had smashed the cup to bits. Had he done that?"Princess, I beg you to forgive me for breaking your beautiful china. Would you excuse me?" he mumbled, as he bowed his head. Devdan did not look up as he stood and rushed from the room. He could not even look at Princess Hotaru; he could only imagine what she thought of him. She knew he was the son of a slave. She must hate him now.
As he walked through the hall, he saw the prince's ward and another young boy walking arm in arm, their heads bent together as they plotted some act of childish mischief. He had never known such carefree times. Memories pounded through his head as he walked to his quarters.
"Might I wish you highness a fruitful holiday of Anat? You are so talented in Earth bending I am sure you won't require this," gushed a court official, presenting the elder prince with a brand new sword. The halls of the palace had been joyfully decorated for the festival of the fertility Goddess but there was no joy in the heart of the younger prince.
Devdan sighed. He was at the same level of bending as his brother, although three years younger. Of course, he was second born and no one cared how many hours he practiced. No one cared how well he did in his schoolwork. He was marked as the spare. He would never know power or make him others respect him.
The prince sat in the corner of the room, largely ignored. Lady Step-mother said he was selfish to want things that he did not deserve. She said he only brought misery.
Even on the holiday of Anat, no one noticed him. He was eight years old last week and his birthday had gone forgotten by everyone. It was always about Kalyan. Grandfather had gone away on business, making it an even worse holiday. At least Grandfather would pat his head and tell him to cheer up. He would give him a gift and tell him he was a good boy. Of course, Grandfather was the High King of Ba Xing Xe, and rarely had time to waste on him. Hence the reason for Devdan's misery.
"You'll make a fine king someday," another official flattered, presenting a smirking Kalyan with a heavy silk belt.
"May you go from strength to strength!" the crowds chorused. "A thousand years of life to you, young master."
Devdan winced as his brother spoke up. He had seen his brother giving him that nasty look that promised pain and suffering. "My half brother has no gifts. How sad. I suppose it is because his mother's family are all peasants with no money or time to spare for him. Nevertheless, of course, I do not hold it against him. Please brother, accept this as my token of affection," Kalyan said, holding out an exquisite saddle made of dragon leather all the way from the Fire Nation.
Devdan's cheeks burned with shame. Did he always have to bring up his mother? Devdan just wanted to be his brother's friend. Still, it was a gift! Perhaps it meant that Kalyan did care about him. "Aren't you lucky to have such a nice brother?" he looked up to see one of the many tall courtiers looking down at him.
Devdan bowed to his brother and nodded. "Yes. Thank you, Prince Kalyan. I shall treasure it forever," he whispered, holding the new gift close to his chest. "May I be excused?"
Devdan walked back into his quarters and collapsed in a chair. He growled as he remembered what had happened that night of Anat. He had been sitting on his bed admiring the gift, when everything had gone wrong.
"Where is the saddle I gave you, Devvie?"asked Kalyan, appearing by the doorway. He towered over the younger sibling. He was always bigger and stronger; he was always so terrifying. Devdan desperately wanted Kalyan to like him, or at least not hurt him.
"It's right here," Devdan said, showing it to him. Maybe Kalyan was just asking because he wanted to go riding with him. Maybe Kalyan just wanted to know if Devdan liked the gift and was grateful. Maybe hog monkeys would fly.
"Mama and I talked about how generous I was. She said I have been too nice to you. So I have decided that you are not worthy of it. Servants are not meant to ride horse-ostriches, so you have no need of a saddle. Give it back."
Devdan clutched his gift desperately. "You have five saddles," he pleaded, his eyes filling with tears.
Kalyan smirked, looking very satisfied with himself. "And now you'll have none."
"But I…" Devdan whimpered, terrified. He wanted this saddle, he wanted just one present!
"Shut up Devvie. You are a servant no matter what anyone says and you will always be one. Mama says you are a curse on our house. You don't deserve presents!" Kalyan snapped angrily.
"Stop it, please. Don't take this away from me," Devdan begged. "At least not today. I will give it to you tomorrow. Just please don't ruin the holiday." He just wanted one happy holiday.
"Come, peasant, if you truly wanted this saddle you'd have to earn it, just as every other slave earns their bread and water for the day, by pleasing your master. I am not happy now, so you are not doing your job. Mama says you live here without earning your keep, pretty boy," Kalyan sneered, taking Devdan's long brown hair and pulling it until Devdan cried out in pain. "Now give me my saddle, you little thief!"
"You gave it to me! How can I steal a gift?" Devdan argued, knowing he was getting himself into more trouble. His brother had to get what he wanted, that was the law.
"Are you contradicting me?" Kalyan demanded, pushing Devdan to the floor.
"The whole court saw you give me this gift!" Devdan protested, looking up at his brother in terror. He did not know why he was fighting; only that he wanted this present more than anything in the world. The saddle had made him feel like a real prince and he would not let it be taken away from him.
"Yes but I gave the gift to my brother. You are not my real brother. You are a servantso it does not belong to you!" Kalyan snapped, picking up the saddle.
Devdan held his chin up defiantly. " I'm the son of Prince Kamadev, just like you," he whispered angrily. He knew his brother hated being reminded of that.
Kalyan's face turned ugly with rage. He reached down and pulled Devdan up by the shirt. "Again you dare to contradict me? I will teach you the truth, Devvie. One way or another you will learn your place!" he said, shaking him. Devdan was too terrified to strike back. Now he had truly made his brother angry. There would be pain to pay for this.
"I'm sorry, Kalyan," Devdan pleaded pathetically as his brother's cruel hand dug into his shoulder. He bit his lip to not cry and receive a slap for being weak.
"Too late. You could have just done as you were told. Now you have a lesson to learn," Kalyan snapped, letting go after a long moment. He put his arm around him in a sympathetic gesture. "Come on, my little brother," he said sweetly, his poison leaking through each word.
Devdan meekly allowed his brother to lead him, unsure of just where he was going. He did not want to get into more trouble. He just hoped it was not to Stepmother's room, he was frightened of her. She tended to insult him even more and throw things at him.
The two boys wandered below the levels of the palace, to the dark underground layers. The light came only from resin torches, giving the place a shadowy appearance of a nightmarish afterlife. Devdan had never been down here before, but he knew exactly where he was. A lump of fear stuck in his throat. His brother's soothing gesture chained him in place and forced him along.
Guards bowed deeply as the heir and the spare to the throne passed by. Kalyan's face looked demonic in the torchlight as his eyes searched the area. "Yes, this will do nicely. Open a cell," he commanded the nearest soldier, who obeyed instantly.
Devdan knew within a second what was going to happen to him. "No, please don't do this," he begged, trying to hold back tears as he clutched his elder brother's waist, hugging him close. He was frightened of the dark. A scream erupted from the next cell, making his knees shake. "Brother, I'm scared!"
"Get in. This is what happens to servants who steal and do not obey their master. I will let you out when I think you have learned your lesson. And get your filthy hands off me," Kalyan snapped, shoving him off and nearly knocking him to the ground. "Now go in unless you want me to have you chained up too/"
With a shuffling frightened gait, Devdan walked inside the pitch-black, smelly cell. "It's so dark in here. What have I done, brother? What have I done to deserve this?" he begged, trembling in fear. "It was just a saddle. Why do you hate me so?"
Kalyan sneered. "You were born," he said as he slammed the door, leaving Devdan alone to cry in the darkness.
After three days alone in the night-drenched cell, Kalyan had finally revealed where he was. Stepmother had laughed over the clever joke. Everyone else had laughed too. Devdan had not found anything funny.
Everyone saw him as a joke, an outcast and he let it happen.
A noise behind him disturbed his swamp of self-pity. Princess Hotaru was climbing into his room through his window. Devdan had climbed through his fair share of bedroom windows himself, but he had never met a woman who did the same. "What are you doing?" he asked, raising his eyebrows in mild surprise. She was better to consider than his past.
"We're going sailing," she said softly. "When I'm in a bad mood, it always seems to make me feel better."
Devdan's eyes clouded with anger. "I am not in a bad mood, your highness. I am perfectly fine. Now, I just want to be alone," he said softly. He did not need her pity!
Princess Hotaru shrugged. "I saw the look in your eyes when that toad of a brother of yours insulted you," she said, her voice level.
Devdan leapt to his feet and towered over her in a fury. "So mock me! Do it, Princess. My mother was a slave, have a good laugh over it," he sneered.
"My father was the Fire Lord," Princess Hotaru began cautiously, her voice quiet and unreadable.
"Yes, Princess we all are aware of your loyal lineage. Fine, impeccable, hundreds of years of pure noble blood. Then we can have a good laugh about you being unable to bend and being tossed out on the rubbish heap."
Princess Hotaru stared up at him. "You insolent pig! Would you kindly shut your acid mouth and listen to me. I said my father was the Fire Lord. He was a monster and I hope he burns forever in the next world. You are half slave but I have that demon's blood in my veins. You are still royalty, which is all that matters. So start acting like a man and stop that infernal sulking!" she said haughtily.
Devdan stared at her, not sure what to think. "I hope you aren't feeling sorry for yourself, because then I will mock you. I have many reasons to think poorly of you, but your birth is not one of them. Now cheer up, because we are going sailing. Don't make me call the guards and have you dragged," she said defiantly.
Devdan smiled warmly and bowed. "Your whim is my command," he said gallantly. "I suppose a ship will take away my advantage of bending? I suppose I am up for a challenge…Hotaru," he said, for the first time using her name.
"Don't think I'll make it easy for you after that insult. You'd be lucky if I don't push you overboard and drown you," she huffed, motioning for him to follow her out the window.
Devdan suddenly grabbed Hotaru's arm and gently kissed her cheek. "I have a feeling you would save me," he whispered, trying to convey his thanks to her. How should he thank his enemy for saving him? He did not know.
Zhao had always prided himself for working long hours. He would rise early before dawn and return late at night. The more responsibility he took on, the more power he would receive. Therefore, it had taken him a few days to notice things going amiss with his son. Things had been quiet since he had had that little chat with him and Zhao had thought all problems had been solved.
He had therefore been furious to find his son missing from the schoolroom when he had decided to have an impromptu visit to check on Orli's progress. The teacher had said that Orli had presented a note saying that the young rascal was on a secret mission for the Fire Lord and would be unable to attend class for the next few days. Zhao had to hold himself back from striking the Fire sage. "What kind of nonsense is this?" he roared. When he got his hands on Orli, he would not be so merciful.
The next hour of Zhao's time was spent questioning people as to his son's whereabouts. He found out that Orli and another boy (whose name all refused to mention) were found at the scene of various crimes. Court officials had reported that Orli had been seen in the area after a bucket of cold water had been dumped on various palace denizens. Orli had also been caught stealing from the kitchen, and had been caught teasing the rhinos. Rhino dung had been dumped on a sage named Fukida in the garden. Orli's hand had been suspected in various people having clothes singed and a number of other petty crimes. Why had this not been reported to him earlier?
Zhao was irate by the lack of the cooperation. Everyone seemed reluctant to confirm any more than they needed to, as if they were protecting someone of note. As much as Zhao adored his son, he had no idea why Orli was receiving such favored treatment. What blackmail had Orli pulled and how many people would Zhao have to bribe to cover it?
Finally, Zhao found his prey standing in a main hallway, peeking out the window with another boy. Finally, he would have some answers. Although their backs were turned, Zhao was sure the darker haired boy was Orli. At least, he hoped it was, he could not remember what color hair his son had.
"When I get my hands on you…" he began furiously, spinning the child around. He would not punish him in public, but the moment he got Orli back to the privacy of his home, there would be Agni's wrath to pay!
The only problem with his plans was the eyes of the child were not copper. Two sapphire colored eyes stared up at Zhao in horror. "You!" Zhao paled and removed his hand. This was bad. This was Seige of Ba Xing Xe bad! This was Blue Spirit bad!
"No, you can't hurt me now! Master said I was safe," the rain drip shrieked. "Guards, don't let him hurt me!" the water brat shouted, his eyes wild with fury. Orli was standing next to him, looking shocked.
Two of the brat's personal honor guard stepped forward from the shadows. "I'm sorry, councilor but…," one said nervously, bowing slightly.
Zhao's lip curled, ignoring the child's ranting. "Lay one hand on me, boys and I'll have you paddled and sent back your mothers. I'm the Fire Lord's councilor and I'll not be ordered about by children."
Orli had tuned to his new friend. "What are you doing? That's my father, stop it!" he commanded, his eyes growing big with terror.
"Your father? That's impossible. He is bad man, who hurt Master. He hurt me and everyone else that is important to Master. If Master had not saved us...He is a very bad man," the outlander retorted, holding up his crest. "Master said I have to be here to help protect the kingdom and you threatened Master so I have to protect it from you. Shigeru, make him go away," the brat snapped.
"Your highness exaggerates. Now, I understand the Fire Lord and I had a problem in the past, but surely it can all be put behind us," Zhao said, bowing slightly. He had nearly called the brat a liar but he knew how eager the little rain drip was to kill him. "Orli, why not invite your friend to talk this rationally? I can have the servants make us almond cookies," he invited. He had warned his son to keep away from the brat!
The water brat glared at Zhao murderously. He had gained some confidence since their last encounter. "I am not exaggerating! Ask General Iroh, Orli. He'll tell you the truth. Ask Princess Hotaru, the Fire Lord's sister, she was there!" he demanded.
Orli looked at Zhao, waiting for confirmation. "Father, is this true?" He seemed to be waiting for his father to assure him that the little brat was lying. Zhao wanted to say something to reassure his son. He wanted to pat his head and tell him his father was still the sun, moon, and stars. Yet if he opened his mouth, the little ice pustule would have him in the dungeons. Zuko was not around and his dastardly sister would have no problem ordering his execution.
"Tell him! Tell him what you did to Master and me. We did not do anything to you and you hurt us. You tried to kill us!" the brat shouted, his cheeks turning red with fury.
"Father, is this true?" Orli repeated, looking horrified. His eyes were filled with tears. His entire body was shaking with sobs and Zhao was helpless to do anything.
"Why won't you tell him?" the brat continued, looking very mad in his fury. "He should know, he should know that you are a bad man."
Zhao had seen this moment many times in battle. It was the moment that all was lost and the opponent was too strong. The only problem was he was usually the opponent watching the moment. He had never really had to endure this, before Zuko had taken over. "I obeyed the will of the Fire Lord. I did my duty," he said bitterly.
"There you are, Prince Aiiro. What is going on here?" a female voice said. A young handmaiden was standing, looking horrified. "Prince Aiiro, what are you doing?" she demanded.
"Miss Hyun, help me! Master said…" the brat began, but was cut off by the angel of mercy sent by Agni.
"You'll work yourself into a fit if you don't calm down. Look at you, already shaking and getting yourself overexcited. You have been wandering around and exhausting yourself. Now back to bed with you."
"He'll hurt me," the brat protested as his hand was grabbed by the young noblewoman. Zhao was debating if he should kiss the maiden or just marry her; she had just saved his skin!
"No one would dare lay a hand on you. I will not have you getting into another fit, your health is delicate. Jahan, please report this incident to General Iroh, he can figure out what happened and I am quite sure he will be able to settle the matter. Shigure, Takeo, please see us on our way," the young noblewoman said, her voice commanding as she yanked the brat along, leaving Zhao in relative safety.
There was a long moment, in which Zhao contemplated the state of mind Ozai had been when he had scarred and exiled Zuko. He had always marveled that he would never need to treat his children that way. Unlike the Fire Lord who had born failures, Zhao had believed his children were perfect. He now knew the dark abyss that was parenthood.
Zhao reached out for his son, before holding himself back. He needed to calm down; he needed to take a moment and a barrel of sake before he accidentally made Katannah an only child.
He snapped his fingers and motioned for two guards to approach. "Take my…son back to my apartments and lock him in his room. If he even makes a peep of protest, feel free to gag him!" With that, he stomped off, trying to figure out an appropriate way to damage control.
Devdan had to admit Hotaru was right; sailing along the coast of the Fire Nation was a wonderful feeling. The tiny one-man steamboat was a perfect place to escape. It was metal, allowing him no protection should she attack him. Yet, he felt completely at ease in the princess's presence, besides for the risk that she would actually throw him overboard. Devdan was never safe around her; she always had a trick up her sleeve. Yet that only made her more attractive to him. Sitting here, on the beautiful sunshine, just the two of them, Devdan could imagine a far simpler world.
"Your brother is a load of dung. I decided today that I'd never consent to the marriage. So I guess we won't be brother and sister," the princess mused, as she feed some more coal into the furnace.
"Your brother is a kind man for allowing you so much freedom. I suppose that explains the lack of respect for authority," Devdan returned with a cheeky grin. "My brother would have never tolerated me refusing an order. He'd have me marry a hog-monkey if it suited his purposes."
"I think I get that from my mother. She is a formidable woman. I hope I will one day be as strong as her. I think children usually take after the maternal side. At least I hope so," Hotaru answered. "What was your mother like? She had to have been strong to have a terror like you for a son. Or are you more like your father?"
Devdan tried not to show the pain of discussing such a sensitive topic. "My father died when I was three. I did not know him much. My mother's name was Lesedi. She was a village girl, a simple peasant girl who was from a small town in the Solobi Mountains. I…never really knew her as a child. I was taken to the royal nursery as an infant," he said softly.
"I can't imagine what Kalyan's mother was like. She must have been a royal terror," Hotaru continued, putting her hand on his. Her hands were so tiny, like the royal princess she was. Yet, they were strong and calloused. She was a walking contradiction, a comfortable challenge.
"You have no idea. Princess Madhavi…even her name makes me nervous. Yes, she was everything horrible that you can imagine multiplied by a thousand times," Devdan whispered. "She was a very bitter woman. Kalyan was the only child of hers to survive birth. She was also passionately in love with my father. When she found out he had seduced a peasant girl, she was furious. She tried to kill herself with poison but it failed. She lived, but lived in hostility. Officially, I was a prince and I could not be harmed but it made her hate me since the womb. Happily, the feeling was mutual," he said. He had hungered for her love, but had long learned he would never gain it.
"So, did you ever find your birth-mother?" Hotaru asked, as she adjusted the steering wheel.
Devdan closed his eyes. "No," he lied. "I never saw her again."
Devdan had returned from a nice day of spying. He had bribed the cook to tell him, which one of the servants was his mother. Her name was Lesedi and she lived in the slums outside the palace. After following her home, he had been amazed to notice the resemblance between himself and her other children. They had the same green eyes and chestnut hair, the same sculpted cheekbones and the same tall frames. It was like looking into a mirror.
There were three children. He had heard their names being called. There was a boy called Sipho. He was around two years younger then Devdan and very brave. Ramla was about eight, two years younger than Sipho. She had his eyes and the dimple in their right cheeks. The littlest was four, her name was Ebele and she had long eyelashes, just like her lost brother. They were so familiar, even if they were total strangers.
He dared not approach them, for fear of scaring them. He had merely watched them, observing a life he could never have. They seemed so happy. Devdan merely watched and pretended he was truly a part of their lives. He had tried to help them in any way he could. One night he had chopped a load of wood for them. Another night he took down their laundry before a storm. He often left small gifts for the children and food from the palace.
Today, he was even happier, even if he was poorer. The mortgage to their home had come due and Lesedi had no money to pay it. Devdan had honorably removed his own golden armbands and threw them into the window. The value of them far exceeded the mortgage. They would be able to live in comfort for a few years on that sum and when they needed more, he would provide them. He had done his filial duty.
One day, he would reveal himself as their benefactor. His secret family would adore him, someday. He had just changed his clothes for the evening meal when his brother poked his head into his room. "Devvie, Grandfather's coming to dinner tonight. He wants you there, so you best be in full regalia," he sneered.
"I am in full regalia," Devdan whispered, trying to hide the terror in his voice. Kalyan knew something, he could feel it.
"Where are your arm-bands? The treasures of the royal family, handed down for five hundred years? I do hope you haven't...lost them," Kalyan smirked.
"What are you talking about?" Devdan whispered. "I'm wearing arm-bands." This might just be coincidence.
"Those are copper. Where are your golden ones? Surely you would never dare lose such important symbols of royal rank." Kalyan's smirk grew as he stepped into the room.
Devdan shook his head, feeling his knees giving out from under him. "I…" he whispered, knowing all was lost.
"Of course not, Devvie. You would never do something so treasonous. Then they must have been stolen. How lucky for you I had you tracked so I could find the thieves and return your property," he smirked. "Come along, I've having them interrogated."
Devdan paled and followed his brother, his heart beating in his ears. He had seen anyone follow him, he had been so careful to hide his movements. Devdan's heartbeat seemed to be increasing exponentially as he followed his brother farther down into the recesses of the castle. "You seem pale, brother. Perhaps you have some problem with the sun?" Kalyan asked softly. "Something on your mind?"
"Kalyan…" Devdan warned, holding up a slim hand. He had played his brother's sick games for long enough, but the stakes had been raised considerably. "I'll go to Grandfather. I swear I will."
"And what will you tell him? That you left the palace without permission to go cavorting alone in the city? You will be punished as much as I would be. Besides, this discussion is hypothetical. You told everyone you were praying at the temple of Geb. You know the punishment for lying to the priests…" Kalyan said, squeezing Devdan's shoulder affectionately.
Devdan stared up at his older brother. "As long as you are on the post right next to me, I'll be just fine," he said defiantly.
Kalyan's smile shattered for a moment, before resurrecting itself in a more sinister form. "It's unnatural for you to be so bloodthirsty, peasant. Besides, this is all theoretical. My brother would never act like a peasant, lying and disobeying palace protocol. You should be thanking me. I'm just returning property to its proper form."
The guards pushed aside the curtains of the audience chamber. Lesedi, her three children and her husband were on their knees, shackled hand and foot. Pale with fright, they shook as soldiers shoved them into a genuflect as the princes past. Devdan felt the pain as deeply as he would the lash. He had damned his own flesh and blood.
"Are these the people who stole the arm-bands?" Kalyan drawled, seating himself causally on the throne. He snapped his fingers for Devdan to stand at his side. Devdan lowered his head and obeyed. The crown on his head felt heavy and painful now.
"The stolen goods were found in their possession. They claim the Gods sent messengers and threw the armbands in," one guard snorted. "Even under…convincing, the stories hasn't changed." Devdan noticed the bruises on Lesedi's face and Sipho's arms. Merciful Geb, forgive him!
"So you are telling me these arm-bands just flew into your window?" Kalyan smirked. "I have never heard such spurious lies. How dare you steal my beloved brother's armbands? Why, the pain he must have endured….you heartless traitors."
"Your highness…I swear on all the gods that I have never seen his highness in my life. I do not know how these came to be in my possession. I return them, please stop hurting my children." Lesedi pleaded, green eyes filled with tears.
"Hurting your children? Now, why would I want to do something like that? I am afraid I can't let you go till you tell me the truth."
"Kalyan, please stop this. I'm begging you, I'm pleading with you, stop this charade and just let them go," Devdan choked.
"Why, my dear baby brother, how could I ever allow these people to insult you?" Kalyan demanded. "These people are calling you a liar. You said you were in prayer all day, how could you have possibly lost the golden armbands? Unless…of course, you know these people," he smirked.
Lesedi's husband turned white. "Your humble servant does not understand. What would we know of a lord prince?" he pleaded pathetically, trying to protect his brood.
"Oh, you don't know? Perhaps I should reveal the surprise. Look at my brother here and your slutty wife. The resemblance is uncanny on so many levels. I should not even have to spell it out. So, this is the peasant garbage Father was so attracted to. I expected no less from your family, Devvie. I think I can even see the resemblance in the smells. A pity they did not use the money for some bathing oils," Kalyan smirked. Devdan swallowed hard and did not respond. He only wished he had the Earth bending skills to make the ground swallow him up.
"You are my son?" Lesedi whispered, her green eyes wide with realization. Devdan had always dreamed of a mother who loved him, but he had never imagined his real mother would be so broken. From a distance, she always seemed so beautiful and kind. Now that he was close up to her, he could see the ravages of hard labor. Her elegant features were marred by wrinkles from labor in the hot sun. Gray streaks polluted her chestnut tresses. She was nothing like the goddess he had imagined. Yet, he could still see the same bone structure, the same bright green eyes and the same long eyelashes. How could he have come from this?
"You had another son?" Lesedi's husband gasped, looking shocked. Lesedi lowered her head in shame and nodded.
Devdan turned his eyes to the floor, refusing to say a word and give Kalyan the satisfaction of seeing him ashamed. "So, you deny your own family? I am surprised at you. Mother always said you were an ungrateful leech, caught between the teeth of your betters. Don't you want to live with them? Go on, you can dwell among the dirt clods, just as you always dreamed of. Mother says you aren't even a real prince anyway, just some weed allowed into the royal garden," Kalyan smirked.
Devdan still did not respond. He felt the insults burn into him, making him blush with indignity. "Well, if you don't recognize these people, then they must have stolen the money and jewelry. Stealing such valuable property is an act of treason. It would merit the loss of a hand, or at the very least a few hours in the pillory," Kalyan smirked. Out of the corner of Devdan's eyes, he could see the terror on the faces of his peasant family.
Devdan had always been afraid of his elder brother, who was not only three years older then him but also the heir to the throne. Yet at that moment, twelve years of hurt feelings and jealousy sprang to the surface. He whipped around and punched his brother as hard as he could, blackening Kalyan's eye. "Stop it! You are a monster!" Another punch bloodied Kalyan's nose and knocked him to the floor as Devdan let loose his wrath. "Leave them alone!"
Before the third punch could land, the shock had worn off and guards had pulled the younger prince back. "Your highness, are you all right?" a servant asked, tending to Kalyan, who lay prone on the floor, royal blood streaming on the floor. Devdan only realized how much trouble he was in when he heard the next words. "Fetch her highness." A pit of dread settled in his stomach as he realized how much trouble he was in. At those words, Devdan's knees began shaking. This was going to go very poorly with him.
"Shame on you, your highness. Striking your elder brother like that," a steward, said, as Kalyan was picked up from the floor and laid on a chair.
"Would you have done any differently?" he asked, his eyes falling on his birth mother. She was his flesh and blood; he had a duty to protect her. He had always dreamed of a mother, he could not bear to lose her now.
The steward stared at him and squeezed his hand. "And gladly been hanged for it," he said quietly, before continuing in a louder voice to scold the young prince. Devdan barely listened; he was too busy waiting for the battle-ax to fall. He would be shown no mercy for what he did.
The door opened again and Princess Madhavi invaded the room, her large frame dominating the room immediately. Compared to Lesedi's aged but dainty good looks, the dowager princess was not beautiful. She had no delicate frame, no finely chiseled features or thick shiny hair.
She was the product of eight hundred years of noble breeding, and all the tenderness and mercy had been siphoned out, leaving only a mountain of a woman, unmoving and unyielding. This was a woman who could manage kingdoms, who could condemn a hundred men to death without a second of regret. Standing in her shadow was enough to frighten the daylights out of Devdan. Her face was pale now, even without the rice powder, her dark eyes burning with fury. "Where is my son?" she demanded furiously.
"Over here, your highness. He will be fine. It's just some bruising. Nothing a few days rest should not cure," the steward explained. "It was a minor scuffle between brothers. My own sons often resort to fisticuffs during a time when tempers are hot. Why, just a few days ago…" he babbled, clearly trying to get Devdan off the hook.
"Silence. Kalyan, precious, are you all right?" she said, her tone softening like sandstone before the surf. "My poor son, you are bleeding."
"He punched me when I wasn't looking. I trusted his loyalty to me. I bent to touch his shoulder and comfort him, and he punched me. Do not…be too hard on him though. He is just a half-breed, he could not know any better. I could have beaten him up, but I could not hurt my dear baby brother."
"My generous-hearted son, you were always too kind. Who are these wretches and why are they polluting your audience chamber?" Stepmother soothed, smoothing back his hair.
"That's Devvie's birth mother. They had his armbands. I tried to get them back for him," Kalyan breathed, his voice growing softer with pain.
Devdan opened his mouth to protest, but was instantly silenced by a look of pure hatred. He knew Princess Madhavi had always been self-conscious about her looks. Born into a ruling family of Ba Xing Xe, she should have been born a man. Her large shoulders, enormous hands and gruff voice would have made her a formidable leader. She was intelligent, loyal and obedient, serving her husband selflessly. When she learned he had strayed, she had taken nightshade to hide from the shame.
Face to face with the rival of her husband's affection, a wave of venom seemed to seep from the royal woman that made everyone in the room shudder. "All of you are guilty of treason. You will all pay the price," Lady Stepmother said coldly, her dark eyes burning with fury.
"Please don't do this, your highness. I was the one who gave them the jewelry. I am the one who left the palace with permission. I was the one who hit Kalyan. Blame me, not them," Devdan whispered as he stepped in front of his stepmother, his voice cracking with shame.
"How dare you touch your young Master, your future High king? You worthless little son of a whore, defending the sluttish blood that gave birth to you over your sovereign. This will be dealt with," Lady Stepmother hissed in a low voice. "Now get out of my sight, I have these worthless offal to punish first."
"Please, my Lady Stepmother, I lost control. It will never happen again. Please don't punish them for my mistakes," Devdan begged, falling to his knees. Throughout his life, Devdan was known for never crying, but now tears streamed down his cheeks.
"Miserable wretch, you have no right to beg mercy from me. You, who do nothing to deserve your keep. My goal is the preservation of the Kingdom and you are just an embarrassment. I will not allow you to shame us all. Take those miserable clods of dirt to the slave market, perhaps that will remind you of what I could do to you," Lady Stepmother said coldly.
Devdan crawled on his hands and knees towards his stepmother. "You only hate them because of me. Do what you want with me, just spare them."
"You will not give me orders, boy. I do not need your permission to deal with you appropriately. Did you think you would escape punishment for raising your hand against your lord?" she asked sharply.
"I am asking no mercy for myself," Devdan whispered. "But please leave them alone, they haven't done anything to you," he beseeched, holding out his hands to her. He was resigned to be treated like the dirt, but he did not want anyone else to suffer for him.
"You dare ask for anything? You are lucky I do not give you the same treatment. I raise you with my son, although you are a symbol of my husband's shame. Just seeing you makes me ill."
"I am sorry for offending you so," Devdan whimpered, bobbing a low genuflection. "I'm sorry for everything. It's all my fault, not theirs."
"You are constantly being a thorn in my side. I only ask that you make yourself subservient to my wishes. Is that such an extraordinary request?" Lady Stepmother demanded sharply.
"No, my lady Stepmother. You are too good to me, I deserve nothing and you give me everything. I will never give you a moment's trouble again. Just please don't hurt them," Devdan begged, placing his forehead on the floor and kowtowing to his hated guardian.
"You have no right to ask for requests, after you committed such treason against your Lord Brother. You raised your hand against him. There is no worse crime then treason. You must be taught a lesson."
"I'll take any punishment you want. I'm the one who hit Kalyan, not them," Devdan choked, feeling so helpless.
"Of course you will take any punishment I decide; you have no choice in the matter. They must suffer as well; it was feelings for them that caused this situation. Now keep silent, before I have you gagged. You must be made to see that resistance against your superiors is futile. It appears you still hold sympathy to this load of peasant-scum who share your blood. Your loyalty must be to this family, regardless of other brutish ties," Lady Stepmother said in a clipped tone. She clapped her hands. "Bring him to me."
Strong arms roughly lifted Devdan to his feet and forced his hands behind him, making him inhale in pain. He hung limply, helpless to do any more then be dragged forward. He wanted to struggle but he just could not fight anymore. He had lost his temper once and now was paying the price. He was hauled before his stepmother, his head hanging.
"I want you to watch as they go to the mines. I want you to know that you are the reason they are suffering. You bring pain to your father's family and to your mother's family. You are nothing but a foul, worthless parasite that brings illness to the host. I want you to remember this every day of your life, every time you think to go against orders," Lady Stepmother hissed, forcing Devdan's chin up. It was one of the first times she had ever touched him, Devdan was unsure how to react.
Devdan desperately wanted to obey, but tears blurred his vision too much. Any movement sent pain radiating throughout his body. He could only listen in horror as the guards dragged the prisoners away, their cries of pain indicating they were being dragged none too gently. He could hear their terrified screams of confusion and he was powerless to do anything. He tried to reach them, but his arms had been twisted cruelly behind his back. He could hear his birth mother comforting her other children. Devdan did not fit with her family, she did not love him or care for him. He still was sorry he had hurt her. He was sorry he came into her life. He had just wanted someone to love him. His current family hated him. He was worthless. When the doors finally slammed, Devdan felt lower then the dust.
"Look at all the misery you bring. Why should anyone love you? Your only redeeming value is the service you can bring the kingdom. You don't even do that properly," Lady Stepmother said coldly. "Get him out of my sight. I shall deal with the blaggard later. I must attend to the real prince of Ba Xing Xe."
Devdan shuddered and turned to Hotaru. He did not want to dwell on the past or the future. Not when the present was so perfect. Hotaru's eyes were so sympathetic. He had never seen someone look at him like that. There was no fear, no pity, just empathy. He knew she knew what it was to be rejected by a parent. She had known pain and sorrow. Yet, in the red setting sun, her face was no longer shadowed with darkness. She seemed at peace on the water, glorious water spirit of the Fire Nation. The woman standing before him was his little paradox.
She was so beautiful, with her hair loose and free, whipping behind her like a dark cape. He came from behind and put his arms around her. "Life is cruel, Princess. Enjoy it while you can," he whispered in her ear.
"If you are planning to throw me overboard, I can swim," she warned, leaning her head back. "I would come to the surface and drag you down with me."
"You already have." With that, Devdan gently tuned her around and bent forward. He kissed her, capturing her in arms and holding her close. When he was alone and miserable, he wanted to remember this moment. She was perfection itself; it was a pity he would have to destroy her soon.
The staff of Zhao's office left that day, with numerous bruises and burns. Ordinarily, the councilor was not an easy man to deal with on the best of days, but the former admiral had no mercy on anyone around him today. A clumsy page had a scroll chucked at his head, three soldiers got themselves a lashing and a maid who had dared to take a break from sweeping had been soundly slapped. Zhao was definitely on the warpath. After nearly committing three violent murders, Zhao felt that if he did not go home and deal with the issue at hand, he would find himself before a court martial.
He had been humiliated. General Iroh may have been a fat old coward but he was also a hero of the nation. He had a feeling terrifying the Fire Lord's pet would get him into a good deal of hot water. Then there had been the snickers from his fellow court denizens who had enjoyed seeing Zhao forced to cower before a mere child. Their names had been filed away for future vengeance.
As he walked back to his apartments, his thoughts turned darkly to his son. He had no idea how best to punish him, all the methods he wanted to do were too violent. Besides, where could he get a troop of wild hog-monkeys on such short notice?
He entered his apartment to find a steaming dinner waiting for him. Katannah and Orli were sitting before the fire, working on their homework. Zhao avoided looking at his wayward son, as both rose to greet him. "Good evening, father," they chorused softly.
Zhao seated himself down, trying to keep breathing. He had to plan this out strategically. "You may come to the table," he said. A good meal would help calm him down. "Did you finish your lessons?" he asked coldly, as his two children bowed and sat down at the table. He had still not decided what to do with his son.
"Yes Father," Katannah said softly, giving her father a hesitant and rather subdued smile. The tension in the air was as thick as Zuko's skull.
"Nearly," Orli whispered, as he inched closer to his sister. "I will finish after dinner," he continued.
"Nearly is not good enough. You had enough time to disobey me and cause all that mischief." Zhao turned to his steward. "You can serve my son servants fare. Until he behaves like a member of the household, he does not deserve the same privileges. Rice and water should be sufficient," Zhao sneered, determined to break his son.
Orli stared down at the rice and water that had been placed before him. Zhao and Katannah had been served a fine meal fit for nobility. "How many children were tortured to provide such a delicious meal?" he asked tartly, his eyes lowered.
Zhao's lip curled. He was sorely tempted to take Orli over his knee and take a belt to his bottom until it glowed. He managed by sheer force of will to remain seated. A new method would be employed, Orli's last chance of avoiding a beating. "You don't have to eat it if you are too noble for it, my dear son. In fact, perhaps hunger will teach you some gratitude. You will not be fed until you apologize for your insolence. Let's see how impertinent you are after a day with no meals," he said silkily. A few hours of a complaining belly and Orli would be begging for forgiveness.
"Treating me like a prisoner? I suppose it is appropriate. I am the son of a criminal who likes to pick on children," Orli mumbled as the plate was taken away.
Zhao felt a vein throbbing in his forehead. "Say that again, Orli. I dare you to speak such insolence to me once more; you will see what happens. I promise you, you are stepping over a very dangerous line," he threatened. "You've already disobeyed me numerous times, and humiliated me in front of the court. I have little qualms with giving you what you richly deserve. Don't tempt me."
"Father, I'm not hungry. May I be excused?" Katannah whispered, looking gray at the whole affair.
"Don't even think of giving him your food, Tani. That won't be tolerated," Zhao warned his older child, wishing she would stop looking at him with those sad eyes. "You will not coddle him anymore."
"I won't go against your orders, I just don't feel like eating," Katannah said softly, putting down her chopsticks wearily.
"Listen, Tani. You will sit here and you will eat until your plate is cleaned. Is that understood?" Zhao said, understanding Katannah did not want to eat in front of her brother, when he could not have food. Well, she would have to learn to do what she was told.
Orli rose, lifted Katannah's plate and threw it on the floor in front of his father. "Leave her alone! Stop making my sister upset. You can choke on the bloody food!" he shouted. "You are a murderer, how dare you tell us what to do? I hate you! You lied to us. You are a fraud and I wish you would have never came home!"
As soon as the plate hit the floor, Zhao had already gotten to his feet and was making his way over to his son. Orli had crossed the line! Such an act of disrespect could not go unpunished. "You will learn to choke down that attitude!" he roared, grabbing his son by the collar. Orli trembled in his father's grip, his eyes filled with tears. Zhao had decided the tears were too little, too late.
"Father, Orli's just being obstinate. I can deal with this. Orli, be quiet or you'll be sent to your room. You mustn't speak to your father so insolently," Katannah said, her voice hardening.
"I believe I am the authority here, Katannah. You are the child and hence will remain silent," Zhao snapped. She had been the only mother figure to Orli since his wife had died. She had been soft on him. If she had given Orli enough discipline, none of this would be happening. She would have to punished, but not now.
"I apologize, sir," Katannah whispered, hanging her head. Her eyes filled with tears, making Zhao feel even worse.
"Tani, go to your room. You and I will eat later," Zhao's hand moved to his belt, before deciding against that course of action. The punishment must be fitting to such a crime; a belt was not harsh enough. Orli was lucky Zhao's master was not the one dealing with him; Master Jeong-Jeong could be a sadist under certain conditions. Still, this was nothing Katannah should be seeing. "Orli, go to the front room and fetch a riding crop."
Katannah actually took a step backwards. "Father, please don't…" the older child pleaded, putting a hand on her brother's shoulder.
"Katannah, I said go to your room. Are you disobeying me as well?" Zhao demanded. He could not very well punish Orli in front of his daughter; she was one of the only people who could make him doubt himself.
Katannah opened her mouth a few times before she nodded obediently. "No sir," she murmured, giving her brother a look of pure pity before stepping out of the room.
Zhao glared down at his son. "I'm waiting. Fetch the riding crop. If I have to ask again, you'll find yourself in chains." A trembling Orli hurried to obey, his face chalk white. Zhao seated himself in his favorite chair and waited, trying to refrain from reaching for a glass of wine.
Orli returned a moment later, his shaking hands holding the crop in his hands. Zhao grabbed his son by the wrist and pulled him over to him, removing the crop from trembling fingers for use.
"Father, please don't do this," Orli pleaded, quivering in abject horror. Zhao felt nauseous inside as he bent his squirming son over his knees. Orli struggled valiantly, trying to escape to Katannah's soft embrace. Zhao easily held him down, trying to convince himself that this was necessary.
"You earned your fate," he told his son quietly as he raised the crop and brought it down with a cruel crack. Orli howled in pain as the punishment began. "Stop crying like a weakling. You have no one to blame but yourself," he said as he brought the crop again for another hard wallop.
"Father, please stop!" Orli pleaded, sounding extremely miserable. Zhao wondered if he was being too harsh on him. It would be cruel to burn and exile Orli, he had learned that much. However, this was not cruel, this was just punishment.
"No," he said simply, as he struck his son again. Orli did not yet understand that he deserved what he got. This was entirely Orli's fault and he would to teach him a sharp but needed lesson. "Every bit of this pain is rightfully yours. Learn to obey or you'll be getting a lot more," He informed his son as he brought the crop down on a different spot, getting another cry.
Orli struggled and kicked in Zhao's grip, trying desperately to move himself out of the line of fire. "Just for that, you'll be sleeping on the floor tonight. One more kick out of you and you will be here a lot longer, tied down. Now, take your punishment like a man!" Zhao snapped, tightening his grip on his son's body.
The next few stinging strokes were delivered in quick succession, before Zhao remembered in interrogation study, that the anticipation of the stroke was almost as bad as the punishment himself. He paused for a moment. Orli whimpered and tried to rise. "You don't move until I give you permission. I am not done yet. I'm not stopping until I feel you've learned your lesson," he barked, giving his son another hard crack of the crop. Once again, Orli yelped in pain as tears gathered in his eyes.
This was not the first time Zhao had beat someone. He had given Zuko a number of lashings, when the brat prince had not pleased his father. He had rather enjoyed it, eager to show the weakling how to grow a spine. He had soldiers flogged for unruliness, laziness, messiness and a number of other offences. Each time, it had given him no moral qualms. This time though, he felt nauseous. Finally, he decided the boy had endured enough. "Get up, but keep your hands in the air," Zhao warned, not wanting to allow his son any comfort. "Now, do you have anything to say to me?"
"I apologize," Orli mumbled, his voice choked with tears. He was really in a bad state; this was a perfect time to reassert authority.
"I didn't hear you, speak up properly. Also that isn't the way to show respect to a superior who you offended," Zhao commanded.
"I apologize for angering you," Orli mumbled a bit louder, as he fell to his knees, his head bowed. His voice was trembling with pain.
"I am glad to hear it. I accept your apology. Anything else you have to say for yourself?" Zhao inquired archly, hating himself more at every moment. Orli's eyes once shown with worship for him, now they were burning with anguish.
"What do you wish me to say?" Orli asked, his voice weary.
"I wish you to thank me," Zhao said. Master Jeong Jeong had always forced Zhao to thank him after each punishment. Thank you, Master for making me stand for hours alone in the dark, came a miserable voice from many years ago. Thank you Master for depriving me of meals until I completed the task to your satisfaction.
"Thank you, "Orli mumbled in an exhausted voice.
"For?" Zhao queried, determined to instill respect in his son. Thank you Master for holding back my combat training and making me sit and sort rice to teach me patience. Thank you Master for correcting me.
"You told me to say it, so I did. I don't want to get whacked again," Orli sniffed indignantly, his voice rippling with anger.
"That was the wrong answer!" Zhao seethed. He wanted to stop hurting his son, why wouldn't Orli just submit to him?
"What do you want me to say?" Orli demanded, his tone growing more resentful as defiance bloomed in him.
"That you were wrong and I am right," Zhao explained in a forced patience. How hard was this to understand?
"You were the one who hurt Ary. I don't see why I should apologize," Orli whispered defiantly, his voice still shaking from pain.
"You really can't see?" Zhao asked through gritted teeth. "Then you must be made to see," he continued, picking up his crop again.
"No more!" Orli whimpered, his eyes widening with fear. He did look very sorry and Zhao had thoroughly dusted the poor boy. Perhaps he could just let him off with a warning. He did not want to hurt his son.
Zhao just could not abide the idea of allowing his son to get away with such defiance. No, Orli had to learn a lesson and this way seemed to make an impact.
"Yes more. Every time you disobey me, there will be more. Every time you defy an authority figure, every time you create mischief, you will be punished severely. One way or another, this will be learned. Now let's get this over with," he said motioning for his son to approach.
Orli stood frozen in place, petrified with terror. Zhao's heart almost melted at the sight of his son's terror, but he had to be strong. This was for Orli's own good. "It will go worse for you if you don't come," he warned.
"Father, please don't do this! I will never contradict you again! I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Orli pleaded, refusing to move from his knees.
"Not as sorry as you will be when I am finished," Zhao said, refusing to give into pity and spoil his son. He got up from his chair, riding crop in hand. He pulled his son up by the wrist again, shoving him over the table. "I will make a man out of you, even if it kills us both," he said with, punctuating it with a loud crack.
Aiiro was sitting in his room sniffling. He could not believe his best friend was the son of that monster. Miss Hyun was cuddling him, which did help a great deal. "It's all right, no one is going to hurt you," she kept assuring him. "The Fire Lord will be home soon and he will bring you many gifts. Till then, I am here to care for you."
Aiiro sighed and allowed Miss Hyun to begin brushing his hair. "I like you a lot, Miss Hyun. You are very nice," he whispered. Yet, she was not someone his own age. Orli was a friend who could understand the value of mischief. Still, Aiiro was not safe if that bad man was roaming free. "I just miss Orli."
"Well, your highness, your prayers have been answered," came Shigure's voice as he entered the room. A weeping Orli was at his side, limping. "I found him wandering around your window and figured you would know what to do."
"What happened to you?" Aiiro demanded, coming to his side. He reached out to hug his friend but was gently shoved back.
"Please don't. It hurts too much already. Father…was really angry. He…beat me and it was horrible. He wanted me to apologize and I didn't and he beat me again and then locked me up," Orli choked through his sobs.
"That is horrible! I told you he was a bad man. Shigure, he should put in the dungeons for this," Aiiro snapped angrily.
"Prince Aiiro, it is not against the law to discipline a child. It is against the law for him to be here. Officially, he is the property of his father and he has stolen himself. You ran away, young man, didn't you?" Miss Hyun said softly, handing her handkerchief to Orli to blow his nose.
"Yes. I climbed out the window. Now I am really going to get it. He'll have me dragged back and then I'll really be in hot water," Orli wept, blowing his nose loudly.
Aiiro lightly touched his friend's soldier. "You will stay with me. Master said I could have anything I want and I want you to be happy. I can sleep on the floor and you can have the bed. We will be like brothers. Right, Miss Hyun?" he asked. He remembered something Master once said when someone argued with a command. "I…I have spoken."
Miss Hyun sighed. "Let's get you some salve and some fresh clothing, Orli. Shigure, have a bed brought in here," she agreed.
"Now you are safe!" Aiiro said, glad he had his friend back again. "Now everything will be all right."
"Minister Yoshiyasu, you will be given the fire nation islands west of Aditya. Minister Meikun, you will be given east of it. Moreover, Admiral Zhao, so good of you to join us. What do you wish as a reward for your loyalty?" Kalyan asked in the belly of their ship, after making sure they were not followed.
The former admiral of the Fire nation was a wreck. He was obviously intoxicated and his clothing was a mess. "My reward? I want my son, my title and my dignity back, I want to see Zuko and his little minions suffer for what they did to me and I want things as they were," he slurred, a bit disoriented.
"Of course, of course. When Sozen's comet strikes, the Fire Lord and his family will be in the netherworld. My brother has already gained the trust of the princess. It's only a matter of time before the rest of them fall," Kalyan said, the sadistic joy plain in his eyes. "Soon, we will have our wishes granted."
AN-Next chapter, Yue, possibly Katara, and even some Aiiro!