I was listening at the door of my father's Throne Room to the conversation that was happening inside.
"So you really think he is worthy to help guard some of the Earth Kingdom colonies?" It was my father's voice.
"Of course! He deserves more payment and importance than I could ever give him!" my uncle's voice replied.
"Well, brother, I trust your judgment. I will send him off tomorrow." I heard footsteps and stepped to the side of the door where I wouldn't be seen. My father walked out and passed my Gahn, who was heading my way.
"Do you know where your uncle is? I seem to have lost him." he asked politely.
"Cut the act and get in there." I hissed, pointed towards the Throne Room door. He stepped back in shock, but regained his composure and went in. I followed him and closed the door behind me. I stood between Gahn and the only door out of the room.
Iroh said, "Gahn, we've just gotten you promoted. You will be a guard in the Earth Kingdom colonies. That pays fantastically."
"Yes it does." the butler replied levelly, "When do I leave?"
"Tomorrow." I said.
He whirled around and said to me, "And where's my money?"
"You're not getting it." I replied. He tutted and shook his head.
"I guess I have to go tell Daddy the big secret then, don't I?"
"No, you don't. Just try, and I'll toast you." I hissed back. His eyes shot open wide.
He took a step back from me. "Please. Don't hurt me. I can't even firebend! I only wanted more money for my family. I have a wife who doesn't work and a six-year-old son. And we just don't have enough money."
"Well, you will when you get your new job. You don't need 5000 extra gold pieces, Gahn. And you don't need to tell my father anything. So get out of here." I said to him, and he nodded.
"Alright. I won't tell the Fire Lord anything. I promise." he said quickly, and fell to his knees in a low bow. I relaxed, and looked at Iroh.
"Just keep an eye on him until he leaves." I said, and he nodded. I turned to Gahn, still bowed on the floor. "Alright, you can get up. I'm sorry I had to scare you like that. Just don't tell anyone anything, alright?"
"Yes. Yes, of course, sir." he replied as he got up. The three of us left the room, and I sighed in relief. We were safe at last.
The next day, Azula, Gahn, and I were kneeling below my father's throne.
"Today we bid farewell to Gahn, our beloved butler. He will be going to be a guard in the new Earth Kingdom colonies in Omashu. And also, Azula, who will be going to her week-long reunion of her class at the Royal Fire Academy for Girls."
"Thank you so much for promoting me, you Fire-ness." Gahn said.
"I will walk you out, Gahn, seeing as we're both going to the same place."
The two of them got up to leave. I said quickly, "I'll see you two out as well."
"Actually, Zuko, I wish to speak with you." my father said. I took one fervent look at Azula and Gahn leaving the Throne Room, and reluctantly turned back to Ozai.
"What is it, father?" I asked, trying to stay calm in front of him.
"You are almost sixteen, yes?" he asked, and I nodded. "When you are sixteen, you will be of courting age. And I understand that you used to like your sister's friend, Mai?"
I eyes opened wide. "Um...maybe I used to...but I don't know if I do anymore. I haven't seen her in so long..."
"Alright. I was just curious." he said, "...What about your maid, Katara. You do seem to care quite a bit about her safety." My eyes shot open wider. "Zuko, just because I missed almost three years of your life, doesn't mean I don't remember how to read your eyes."
Are my eyes that easy to read? He's the second person to guess that I like someone! I sighed, and looked at the ground, "I don't know..." I said, half-lying.
"Hm. Well, I don't know how that would work out. Anyway, you may go now. I was just wondering..." he said. And I got up and walked out as fast as I could will still remaining inconspicuous. I caught up to Azula just to see Gahn walking away.
"What did he tell you, Azula?" I demanded.
"Oh, nothing, Zu-Zu." she said smiling, then walked away. I groaned and plopped to the ground. I put my head in my hands despairingly. After we'd been so careful! Now Azula knew, and she'd tell my father for sure! I sighed. But we had a week, and we'd better be prepared when it was over.
At breakfast on the second day of that week, my father announced that he would be going to see the Avatar that afternoon. I saw Katara's face lighten slightly with hope, and I turned to her and shook my head. She frowned and nodded understandingly.
Ozai must have noticed, for he said, "Sorry, Katara, but as you may have guessed, you cannot come."
"I know." she sighed, "But...could you just tell him that I'm alright?"
The Fire Lord chuckled. "Alright, I will." he said, and Katara bowed her head.
"Thank you, your Fire-ness." she said. She turned to me, and I nodded approvingly.
The fact that my father was going to be talking to Aang made me a little nervous. Aang might say the wrong thing...but there really wasn't anything I could to about it. Ozai wouldn't allow me to go with him; I was as restricted as Katara when it came to this. There was really nothing I could to but to hope Aang would be smart about what he said.