Sound Waves (Avatar: The Last Airbender) Book 2

Chapter 18 - Palace-Arrest

Himoko's POV

The next morning I and the Lords, along with Kuei, Long Feng, and his agents, including Sadem, met in the War Room for a meeting.

Despite all that had happened yesterday, I didn't find trouble sleeping, no night terrors to accompany my rem state like usual. And from what I could see judging by Sadem's face- He didn't have too bad of sleep as well. He was exhausted after everything, most likely more than I even was, it was good to see him with fewer eyebags and a more golden complexion.

I sat next to my cousin, Sadem standing guard behind him, the other agents posted in succession from the lowest rank to highest on either side of the room.

"We are here today to discuss what happened yesterday." States Long Feng proactively, his sinister snake eyes narrowing at the crowd gathered inside of the war room. I straighten out my posture, hearing my cousin clear his throat to begin the discussion.

"Yesterday, after lunch with the lords, it was discovered that Princess Himoko, Heir to the Throne of Omashu, had gone missing. Prior to this discovery, it was also discovered that Fire Nation spies attempted to infiltrate the city. The search lasted for the remainder of the day until close to nightfall when she was discovered, outside of the walls, west of the city." He explained the details that they all currently knew of.

"Our current hypothesis is this- During the time the spies attempted to enter the city, it created a diversion, letting out spies into the city in an unknown way, attempted to kidnap Her Highness, almost succeeded, but thankfully failed and she was found safe." Long Feng informed the Lords and the Generals.

"Does Her Highness remember anything from the incident?" Questioned one of the Generals. I turned my head to look at him, the burly Earth Kingdom man staring at me, his body built to hold boulders over his shoulders with skill, but his eyes holding the softness and caring nature of our people.

"After leaving the dining area, I don't remember anything. I apologize-" I lied, biting back my tongue, as it pained me to do so. Long Feng spoke again, "That's alright, Your Highness. Your memory will come back in due time." I side-eyed the Advisor, nodding softly, 'I hate lying, even to someone like Long Feng. It is not in my nature to lie.'.

"The two Dai Li Agents that were supposed to follow after and guard her are already in the process of being punished."

"Two Dai Li Agents? I apologize if I am forgetful, but doesn't the Princess have a primary Dai Li Agent to guard her?" Eyes went to the back of my chair, staring at Sadem, who awkwardly stared back, the hands that rested at the top of my chair clenched onto the wood, nails digging into the plush cushion as he fought back on defending himself.

"The Agent doesn't primarily guard her. Princess Himoko's 'agent' only guards primarily during the mornings, then attends to other duties I instruct afterward. The Agent was not supposed to be with her at that time. However, after this, I will add a primary guard." I hummed softly, taking a small breath in, wishing I could help Sadem's anxiety right now. He hated being put on the spot, especially like this.

"Any thoughts on who that could be?" Asked a Lord.

"I believed Agent Sadem should be her primary guard from now on during her stay in Ba Sing Se." I blinked rapidly, turning my head a little quickly, to stare at the king in shock. Sadem's breath hitched behind me, taken aback, that Kuei wanted Sadem, out of everyone in the Dai Li Agents, to guard me primarily. My sole guard.

"Your Majesty, what are your bases upon that, if you do not mind me asking?" A different General questions me.

"Agent Sadem has proven to be very diligent in the work of protecting the people of this great city, and the Princess. Yesterday, when coming to find out of her disappearance- He didn't stop, when others began to wane and feel tired during the search, he persevered." He eyes the people before him, softly turning in his seat to look at me and Sadem. I glanced up at Sadem, noting to myself how Sadem continued to look straight, not making contact with anyone. I could hear his heartbeat, how it was quickening in anticipation as to what our King had to say about him, what such a proposal would come out from this.