Courting a Prince: Book 1 (Complete)

ch. 22: Let Me Protect You pt. 2

It had been a few days, Zuko still hasn't fully forgiven me for disobeying direct orders, but like... How the hell is that my fault!?He's the one the left a village to burn, not me! Besides, Kai was there to help me out so no one was in any real danger...

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I lay on the bed in my quarters (room), throwing a ball at the wall and catching it when it bounces back. It's oddly entertaining.

Knock knock knock.

"May, it's your uncle, may come in?"

"One minute!" I shouted, scrambling to put on my black hoodie and hide my charred arm. It's not like I'm embarrassed or worried about it or anything, it's just kind of... ugly.
"'Kay, you can come in now!"

At my permission, the door opened and Iroh stepped in, carrying a tea set. "Would you like to have a drink with me, niece?"

I smile at him and gesture to the small table in the center of my room. "Sure, I love the tea you make!"

Iroh sighed in relief and placed the tea on the table before sitting down. He poured cups of warm tea for the both of us. I sit across of him, wondering what he could want to talk about over drinks like this.

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For a while, we talked about nothing of importance, the crew's mistakes, rumors, the battlefield, the fire lord, my time in with the water tribesmen, just normal conversation, but just when I least expected it, he got serious.

Iroh looks me directly in the eye, gaze as strict as it was when he trained war soldiers. "So, do you know why Zuko is after the Avatar?"

I sigh, gently placing my cup on the table. "The fire lord said that by fining the Avatar, Zu can regain his honor and return home. I was there when he made the declaration, remember?"

"Ah, yes. You were there weren't you." He hummed, rubbing his beard as he does when he's thinking. "Do you know how many hardships we've encountered throughout this journey?"

I shook my head. "Of course not, I left on my own journey soon after yours started."

"I see... Did you ever notice anyone coming after you?"

I knit my eyebrows, shaking my head again. "No, who the hell would be after me?"

"Language, young lady."

His tone made me jump a little, and reflexively lower my head. "I'm sorry uncle."

Iroh sighed again, placing his cup down. "May, I understand that you felt as if you needed to help that village but my nephew told you to stay on the ship for a reason, I believe-"

"You're saying I should've sat there and watched that village burn! Watch those people die!? They're civilians! Women, children; people that can't fight for themselves!" I shouted, feeling rightfully distraught.

Uncle lowers his voice to a more calm tone. "May, listen. I'm not saying you were wrong for trying to help that village. I just want you to know the reason behind Zuko's order."

I take a few deep breaths to calm myself down, and look at my bandaged hand. "Wasn't it just so I wouldn't get in his way?"

He waved his hand dismissively. "Not at all, well... maybe, but that's not what I'm talking about."

"Hm.... I'm listening Uncle."

"Some time after you escaped, one of your guards reported you missing, and that you were a water bender. The Lord gave permission for that guard to take a team and find you..."

My eyes widen as I realize who that guard could be. I tightly clench my right fist and utter the name in which I dread so fucking much. "Hal....."

Iroh nodded. "Yes. He boarded the ship looking for you, nearly destroying thinks in the process. During that time I had told Zuko you had escaped, he seemed both relieved and worried still, but never said anything on the matter."

This never happened in the show, nothing like this ever happened in the show, I have no idea what's going on, but I do know that I'm never letting that man catch me.
How dare he, coming for me after all he's done.. I'm gonna fucking end him-

My uncle's voice pulled !e out of my thoughts for the moment. "Now that you know, I believe you should have a chat with Prince Zuko."

"And why is that?" I mumbled, still mildly upset.

Iron shakes his head, collecting his tea set. "When you get to my age, you seem to just figure things out. You young ones just need to talk things out, and I'm sure you'll understand."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever you say, Uncle."

He smiles, walking towards my door. Before he stepped out, he mumbled, "Please go and talk to him, May."

I stare at the empty table for a minute. A very long minute.

".... Tch, whatever....."