Whispers Of Embers Beneath Waves

Chapter 9

“It is lovely to have you here, Prince Anik. I hope your travels have been well.” Iroh welcomed Sokka and Aang, plus some conjured extras, into the castle after their musical number. He had the sweetest smiles that Sokka almost forgot they had to keep up an act. 

“It’s my pleasure to be here, Firelord.” Sokka bowed. 

Firelord Iroh took note of the Prince’s bow. As a return of respect, he greeted him with a hold of the forearm, which Sokka was surprised to see. He hadn’t seen anyone from outside the Water Tribes use their tribal way of greeting.  

From beside Iroh, Zhao cleared his throat to draw attention to himself(Iroh side eyed him). Sokka almost choked as he recognised the same bird from last night perched on the Vizier’s shoulder. “I’m afraid I am not quite familiar. Which tribe did you say you were from?” 

“South.” “North.” Both Aang and Sokka replied at the same time. 

“We have a south and a north,” Sokka said with the same amount of awkwardness as a ladybug miraculous holder. “I’m sure if you look close enough, you’ll find it.” 

“Yes, the world continues to develop, Zhao. Maybe books can help,” Iroh muttered the last part. Zuko covered his mouth with his hand to hide the smile. 

Sokka was very aware of the glaring duck beside Zuko and Katara. He was careful to not step anywhere close to the scary thing. 

“Tell them about the things we have,” whispered Aang. 

“Right! We have many gifts!” Sokka announced. “Uh, we have oils and soups! Yes, soups.” 

Aang had summoned fake people to come in and present these ‘gifts’. “We also have spices and many fur coats.” Sokka continued. 

“ They don’t use fur coats here, it’s too hot,” Aang gritted through his teeth smiling. Sokka cursed himself under his breath. 

“Very expensive soups….” 

Zuko raised an eyebrow. “Expensive? And what do you hope you buy with this….expensive?” 

Katara was bracing for impact. 

“You.” Sokka said it so confidently, he didn’t realize his mistake until afterwards when people, servants, Aang, even that stupid looking bird on Zhao’s shoulder were gasping and dropping their jaws “No! I meant-” 

“Are you suggesting that I am for sale?” Zuko commented. 

“Of course-” 

More gasps. Katara’s eyes widened even more. Toph pursed her lips, struggling to not snicker. Even Azula winced. Aang hid his face in his hands with embarrassment. 

“-Not! No! Of course not! I only meant-” 

“Please, excuse me. I must take my turtleduck for a walk. Oh, and Prince Anik? I’ll have you know, I am not a prize to be won.” Zuko bowed to Iroh and Zhao, then turned on his heel and started to walk with Azula waddling after him. 

“I’m sorry.” Katara mouthed to Aang and Sokka. “It was a good try,” She attempted to encourage. 

“It really wasn’t.” Toph was not one for sugarcoating.