Sea and Sky

Chapter 25: The Consequence of Desire

Sea and Sky

Chapter 25: The Consequence of Desire

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When he had mentioned that he wanted to have a quite night alone, what ended up happening wasn't quite what she'd expected. Initially, she had heeded his request and waited patiently for him. It seemed like she was doing a lot of that lately - waiting for the Avatar. It wasn't anything new for her, but rather a fact of life for her.

"Everything has been settled. Rana admitted to her crimes. She has been banished from the household. Kilic will be taking her to an estate on the mainland."

Aang's admission surprised her more than she could say. So, Rana had admitted to her treasonous actions? What would have compelled her to do such a thing?

Eyes narrowing in suspicion, Katara pushed at the food on her plate, the hunger leaving her body. "How did it really happen, Aang?"

Letting out a long held sigh, Aang closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Aang considered his words before he spoke.

"Suki blew our cover. She attacked Rana in a storage room. Before anything could be done, Rana confessed and begged Zuko for clemency."

The thought of Rana dropping to her knees before Zuko and pleading for her life brought a small smile to Katara's lips. She wasn't surprised Zuko had passed down a light sentence. The noble woman was officially a Fire Nation citizen. Marrying Kilic had granted Rana all the rights of a Fire Nation noble woman, including currying favor with the Fire Lord. Katara knew Zuko hadn't meted out a harsher sentence out of loyalty to Vizier Kane, Kilic's father.

Had Zuko handed down a death sentence, it would have meant the court and possibly the entire kingdom might have turned on him. Even if Zuko ruled by divine right, the opinion of the people and his royal subjects held sway over his reign and position. Zuko was not a god, and didn't act as such. Even if his status as divine ruler allowed him such powers.

"So, what palatial estate has the woman been banished to?" Her voice was sharp as she spoke, arched brows raised in semi-disgust as she continued to push the food around her plate.

Leaning forward in his seat, Aang took a small sip of water before answering. It seemed like fate was playing a cruel trick on them. Instead of an actual prison, Rana would be confined to a life of luxury, maidservants, and limitless wealth.

"Apparently the family has a house outside of Omashu, close to Bumi's palace. That is to be her new cage."

At his words, the chopsticks dropped from her hand just as she brought the food to her mouth.

"Why on Earth would they send her back to the Earth Kingdom?"

Shaking his head, Aang was at a loss. "She gave up her father's location and coordinates. That was part of the deal. In exchange for her father, Zuko let her go home."

The word home held a sarcastic tone as Aang spoke. Even if he was the Avatar, his part in Rana's situation was over. Zuko had passed down judgement, and unless the balance of the world was at stake, Aang had no place to intervene. In fact, he rather quite liked that he wasn't going to be further involved.

"You do realize this is all a game right? She can't be trusted. There's something fishy going on here, I just know it."

Standing from the table, Katara paced the room as she searched her mind for Rana's true intentions. The noble woman wasn't stupid. Neither was Zuko. Frustration welled within her as she tried to figure out what was truly afoot.

"Aang, what is going on? I'm so confused..." She trailed, taking a seat once more. At this point, her food was long forgotten and growing cold.

"Katara, I wish I knew. I don't want us to be involved anymore. I told Zuko this situation is now his to handle. We're leaving in the morning. I'm sick of this island, sick of these people, and sick of being at court."