War of words
"Iroh has lost his son. Your cousin Lu Ten is dead." The words hit Kozar like a wrecking ball. He liked Lu Ten, but it wasn't just that, the young Prince had lived in a sheltered world. He had never known anyone who died, let alone a family member, someone as close as a cousin. He wandered around in a daze for the rest of the morning, taking no notice of where he was going at all. Then the inevitable happened.
"Watch yourself you little brat." In his head Kozar cursed. Of all the people, why him?
"Well if it isn't the littlest Prince. Walking around like he owns the place." Continued the man. Lieutenant Zhao was 5 years older than he had been when Kozar last laid eyes on him. All that had changed was that he was even more arrogant.
"You can't talk to a Prince like that." Kozar shot back angrily. Zhao laughed,
"Oh can't I? I'm one of your Father's most trusted friends. You're the spoilt youngest son. Known only for your attitude and lack of talent. What could you possibly do to me?" Kozar spat at his feet, Zhao's face turned from amusement to fury. He leant in close and whispered menacingly.
"Watch yourself boy, it's a criminal offence to disrespect an officer. Unless you want to end up duelling me in an Agni Kai I'd apologise this instant." Kozar glared at him, but for once controlled himself.
"I'm sorry." He muttered through gritted teeth.
"Yes, I should think so, now run along why don't you." Kozar turned away but couldn't stop himself from one last parting shot,
"Wait till Uncle Iroh finds out about what you planned, then we'll see who's sorry."
"What?" exclaimed Zhao, the grabbed Kozar by the collar. He continued in a barely audible whisper.
"You don't know anything?" There was malice in his voice, thought Kozar, but something else too, fear?
"You'd be surprised, I found something of yours once. A letter." Zhao's memories were all so clear. Dreams of coups and usurp of the Crown Prince. Dreams of the past, but with deadly consequences in the present. He had to make sure. He forced himself to keep calm.
"Don't do anything rash will you now?" His breathing was fast and anxious.
"Depends if you're going to afford me the respect I deserve from now on." Kozar was beginning to enjoy himself, the arrogance was back. Just as things were getting fun, however, his Mother showed up.
"Where have you been young man? I was worried about you. I have some important news, your Uncle is coming home. "
"So?"
"And your Father has requested a family meeting with Fire Lord Azulon. You need to change into something a little smarter. As for you, Lieutenant, my husband has requested that you join us for Dinner." Ursa said this with well disguised contempt, still visible to Kozar, he was used to that treatment himself.
As his Mother dragged him away he got in one last parting shot at Zhao;
"So Uncle's coming home, eh?" He looked back and winked at the Lieutenant, alone in the cavernous hallway. Zhao shook his fist. Kozar turned and laughed.