Sozin carefully waited for Aguya to come and tidy his chambers. However, a whole week had passed, and he hadn't seen her. Another young lady had been tending to his private chambers for that week.
Like Aguya, Sozin hadn't told a soul regarding what ensued at the wedding. For now, Sozin had dropped the issue with Roku about expanding their empire. Roku, after all, was on his honeymoon on Ember Island.
Sozin didn't want to disturb him while he was away. He also needed to figure out how to apologize to him for bringing up his vision for the future at the wrong time. He didn't want to let go of his ambition, yet he had let it die temporarily in favor of desiring something else.
He was the Fire Lord, after all. He had to deal with the hardships in his nation instead of worrying his head about a pretty servant girl, even if it nagged at him. Sure, she was indisputably attractive. However, he had sensed while they'd strolled through the gardens that Aguya's beauty hadn't been skin deep.
Even if their encounter had been brief, Sozin already felt a profound connection to her. He had marveled how elegantly she'd spoken with such passion. She'd been herself with him; neither had cared about their social status. They were having an intelligent exchange while savoring the impressive gardens.
Either way, he sat on his golden dragon throne while listening to assorted petitions and other political nonsense that was so tedious it made you want to fall asleep. He looked increasingly irritated by tea time.
His finest consultant looked at him, incredibly concerned. "My Lord, is something amiss? Did they not serve you your favorite tea? You seem rather restless," the male adviser questioned cautiously.
"No, it's not the tea. I've something else on my mind," he thought for a few moments, then stated, "Please ask Mistress Sumiko to meet me in the throne room in twenty minutes."
The middle-aged consultant looked panic-struck and baffled, "Mistress Sumiko?! Why do you want the Head of the Palace Servants in your throne room?" he looked like he was about to have a heart attack if he saw her.
"That isn't your concern, now is it? Please leave. I've other matters to attend to," Sozin replied curtly. He finished his tea and headed back to his throne room. Indeed, the harsh and callous overseer showed promptly twenty minutes later.
She fell to the floor in a formal bow until the Fire Lord told her to rise. Clearing her throat, she spoke, "May Agni continue to shine upon your Lordship and guide our nation to greatness."
The Fire Lord chuckled momentarily, "Thank you for the compliment, Mistress Sumiko. Now, let's get to why I summoned you here."
"Yes, let's. However, I must say I'm dumbfounded about why you summoned me. I've overseen the servants for over fifty years, yet no Fire Lord ever requested a private assembly with me."
"I assure you I have a valid reason for summoning you today."
"Fire Lord Sozin, did any of my charges misbehave? Is that why you summoned me? I assure you I've done my best to ensure they're well trained and understand they'd be seen, not heard.
If one has failed in that regard, I guarantee they'll be thoroughly disciplined for violating appropriate conduct."
"Mistress Sumiko, I didn't invite you to my throne room so you could flog innocent individuals who have done nothing of the sort. I summoned you here to throw the servants a ball."
"A ball?" she looked bewildered. As evident on her face, this wasn't what she expected.
"To clarify, I want you to help me organize a special party to thank them for all they've done. They deserve a reward for their hard work and a day off for some fun."
Mistress Sumiko found her voice, "To be honest, my Lord, I didn't anticipate that to be the reason you summoned me. However, I shall see it carried out as one of your faithful and trusted servants. If I may ask, when would you like to arrange this servant's ball?"
"A week from now. Also, I want the positions reversed at this celebration so the nobles and I can cater to the servants. I'll send out a proclamation later today. Thank you; that will be all."
"As you wish, my Lord," she bowed again before leaving. Fire Lord Sozin summoned his scribe again and told him to send the notices immediately.
Downstairs, the servants were overjoyed that the Fire Lord himself was throwing them a party. However, one servant knew the real motivation behind the ball. Aguya knew Sozin wanted to see her again.
She'd be lying if a part of her didn't want to see him again. However, this time, she vowed she wouldn't have any alcohol so her tongue wouldn't loosen so much. Also, she played the part her birth had assigned, being a servant.
Aguya wasn't the only female servant gazing longingly at the Fire Lord on the day of the ball. Again, he was attractive, and being their leader made him even more desirable.
Yet, at the same time, everyone knew it would never happen. Still, they all agreed one could dream. One by one, the Fire Lord took the time to get to know each servant personally.
Aguya found it remarkable that he pulled off that this was their first encounter. They kept their conversation simple and to the point. However, when it came time for them to dance, Sozin asked HER to dance with him.
She could feel Mistress Sumiko's displeasure even without looking. However, you couldn't go against the Fire Lord's command. Therefore, it was a dream come true for both of them for one night.
Each danced happily to the music. No one was any the wiser that the pair had met before. Of course, by midnight, the party concluded. However, she didn't expect him to kiss her hand and say that was the best dance he'd ever had. She smiled and replied thank you for the compliment.
As she got ready for bed, Aguya knew she would have to deal with Mistress Sumiko's verbal thrashing in the morning, but for now, she felt it was worth it to have Sozin to herself the whole evening.