3. Restless
Ozai has always hated formal banquets. Even if it was meant for him, Ozai still despised it. It was his 17th birthday and now he's officially a man in Fire Nation standards. He normally would not have such a grand-scale celebration. In fact, there hardly was any celebration if it weren't for his older brother Iroh, who insisted they celebrate it every single year. And this year was no exception.
Almost 20 years apart, Iroh dotted on his little brother where his parents did not. Fire Lady Ilah passed away from birth complications after Ozai was born and Azulon had then despised his youngest son. The Fire Lord had been comfortable enough with one son, who has shown so much potential until Ozai came along. He needed a man, not a crying little infant to win the war! Perhaps if Ilah had survived, she would've showered Ozai with the love and care he needed. So Iroh took it upon himself to care for his little brother. Though the affection is never returned.
"Why do you always have to make such a big fuss over everything," Ozai grumbled and didn't bother to hide his scowl as guest filled in the grand hall. Iroh chuckled at his brother's remark as he stood next to him with his wife, Crown Princess Ying.
"You sound like Father when you complain like that."
Ozai's frown deepened at his brother's words and looked away. The hall was already half filled with nobles and a high-ranking generals, all dressed in their best attire. Ozai tapped his feet impatiently, wishing to Agni that the banquet can just end already. But knowing his brother, there's bound to be music and dancing and a whole lot of socializing. In which Ozai loathe with all his heart.
"You should go and welcome the guest, brother," Iroh coaxed gently.
"Why don't you go greet them instead," Ozai snapped back.
"Why, Ozai. This is your night! I merely helped arranged it happen."
And with one strong nudge, Iroh pushed him into the crowd with a wide grin and a word of luck. Ozai glared at Iroh, before he straightened himself up and decided that the faster he get over with this, the sooner this could end.
After about an hour of mingling around, Ozai was at his limits. His patience has been stretch too thinly that he could've snap at the next person who greeted him if it weren't for a familiar face that was hiding behind the man, who introduced himself as General Chong.
It took him a while before he remembered where he had seen that face before. And from the way she tries to hide herself from him like a prey hiding from its predator, Ozai knew that the incident in the garden a year back was still fresh in her memory.
Suddenly he felt that perhaps tonight will turn out to be good and he entertained the general and his family with all the princely charm he can muster, his eyes never leaving the restless eyes of the general's daughter.
A/N: Please review and tell me what you think. :D