The latest citizen honoring his Fire Lord bows awkwardly, thanks to the cane under his remaining arm.
"Lieutenant Kenzo, lord. Only... survivor... of the 41st regiment."
He's hardly five years my senior.
Many of his regiment would've been my age.
"Fresh meat…"
"I heard why you were…banished, sir. It means a great deal that someone cared."
--
Upon finding me throwing up into a decorative urn in the antechamber, Mai doesn't comment, ignores my muttering that I spent every day wishing I could take it back, only holds me until my trembling subsides and I can resume receiving undeserved respect.