Zuko stood in the shadows of a doorway leading out to the royal overhang- from which Fire Nation rulers had made public announcements since the palace's construction. Risen high above an arena able to house close to half of the islands populace the terrace was that of a God- able to boom the words of the almighty throughout the quivering masses.
However, today the quivering masses had torches, pitchforks, and angry cries. They demanded satisfaction, or blood, or both. Abandoned by his people, his sister, the Avatar, the nobles and (it would seem) the woman he loved Zuko couldn't help but feel he must have been partially responsible. He hoped that Fire Lady Azula wouldn't burn the world to ash- although that did seem like a fair possibility.
Ready to accept his fate, he began to walk out towards the light.
"Zuko..." Mai's voice startled him and he gave an unwanted flinch before he could stop himself.
"... Let Yan go first." Yan Sen Wi walked passed him with a nod. A look of angry confusion burst on to Zuko's face but he was too late to stop the man. The noise from outside died down instantly.
"What is he doing out there? You want him to spread his insane babbling to the rest of them? Do you want me to be killed?"
Mai looked at him with an expression that was somehow even duller than her normal glare.
"...I thought that you'd left me." At this Mai's brow creased in annoyance. She walked up to him and turned him by the shoulders to look out at the balcony.
Councilor Sen Wi "...ridiculous rumours of attempted 'assassination' circulated by enemies of the Fire Nation that I knew would be immediately rejected by you- the smart and brave peoples of the Fire Nation. Both I and Fire Lord Zuko are proud and appreciate the overwhelming show of support that you have all shown by coming here today- to show unity and support."
Although neither Mai nor Zuko could see the crowd from where they were standing, at this point in the speech many of the crowd tried to awkwardly hide the flaming torches and sharp objects.
"...Princess Azula herself has travelled out to expedite the return of the navy who have run in to difficulty in their voyage. Both I, and I hope, every Fire Nation citizen will wish her an expedient and safe journey. Long live Fire Lord Zuko- long prosper the might of the Fire Nation." Yan turned quickly to the sound of a cheering and applause.
Zuko was still unsure as to what was happening. "What just happened?" He asked to no one in particular.
Yan for his part smiled and continued on walking with a clear air of accomplishment to his step.
"When this peace is over I want a vacation. Somewhere quiet and green." This didn't directly answer his question, but Zuko was inclined to agree nonetheless.