CONTINUATION FROM CHAPTER 1: THE FLAMES OF KAIYA
Kaiya stirred, eyelids fluttering open to a faint light. She lay on a simple bed, sheets pulled snug over her chest. An unfamiliar softness surrounded her—a plush pillow, robes of gentle fabric instead of stiff uniform. The air in the room smelled faintly of herbs, as though someone had been tending to her with careful hands.
She pushed herself upright, mind fogged with confusion. Memories of searing flames and crumbling earth flickered through her thoughts. Before she could make sense of them, the door slid open. Rina and Lina entered, faces bright with relief.
"You're awake," Lina said, voice hushed.
"We feared you wouldn't come 'round for another day," Rina added.
They approached, smoothing Kaiya's covers and checking her for lingering pains. Kaiya noted the gentle tone in their voices, far different from the alarm of battle.
"You drove Toph away," Lina explained, as if sensing Kaiya's uncertainty. "The town is safe because of your plan."
Rina nodded, smiling. "She fled the moment she realized her bending couldn't help without risking civilians' lives. You collapsed shortly after, but we managed to carry you here."
Kaiya exhaled, tension ebbing from her shoulders. "Thank goodness the town still stands. Where's the lieutenant?"
Rina folded her arms. "Busy ordering repairs. Toph's last strikes tore up a few streets. He also insists you leave at once."
A flicker of worry crossed Kaiya's face. She pushed aside the covers. "How long have I been here?"
Lina exchanged a look with Rina. "A few days. The comet arrives soon—only a few days from now."
Kaiya's eyes widened. "I must return to Ba Sing Se immediately."
Again, that glance between Rina and Lina. Then Rina produced a sealed letter, the wax bearing a royal emblem Kaiya knew too well. Kaiya's stomach dropped.
"Lord Ozai," she whispered.
She broke the seal with trembling fingers, scanning the neat lines of script. Summons to the Fire Nation Capital. Immediate attendance demanded in the Royal Throne Room.
A low sigh escaped her. "The lieutenant..." she began, voice hollow. She glanced at Rina and Lina. "It seems he used my days of recovery to inform Ozai of my whereabouts."
Rina placed a hand on Kaiya's shoulder. "You should go. We'll help you dress."
They guided her to a small table where a basin of water and a set of her unique attire waited. Gentle combs passed through her hair; the robes were fitted snugly around her limbs. Each movement was practiced and calm, though tension lingered in the air. Before long, Kaiya was again the image of refined Fire Nation nobility, ready to face whatever awaited in the capital.
She made her way to the gate. An ostrich horse stood tethered, nostrils flaring at the scent of damp earth. The lieutenant awaited her there, flanked by a handful of nonbending soldiers in Fire Nation garb.
"My men will escort you," he said tersely. "I wouldn't want the Fire Lord to think you travel unprotected."
Kaiya regarded him with cool composure. "What have you told Ozai?"
His lips curved in a thin smirk. "You'll find out soon enough."
Without another word, Kaiya mounted the ostrich horse. The soldiers formed up around her, and she set off down the road that led away from the recovering town, back toward the seat of Fire Nation power. In the quiet that followed, only the sound of hooves disturbed the lingering sense of unfinished business—for the letter in her pocket promised questions, and Kaiya held no certainty about the answers that lay ahead.
* * *
Kaiya entered the throne room with measured steps, aware of every echo off the gleaming marble floor. Tall pillars reached into shadow, torchlight flickering upon crimson walls. At the far end, beyond a wide expanse of emptiness, Fire Lord Ozai waited upon his grand seat. She could feel the weight of his gaze, pressing against her like a physical force.
She advanced to the foot of the dais and knelt low, bowing so deeply that her hair brushed the tiles. When she spoke, her voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of apprehension.
"Fire Lord Ozai," she said, enunciating each word with refined care. "You summoned me. I stand ready to serve."
Ozai's cold eyes flickered with amusement. He leaned forward, hands resting on the arms of his throne. "I am rather... confused," he began, his tone laced with an unsettling mix of condescension and curiosity. "I find it delightful—in the most perplexing way—that you would indulge me by explaining your recent actions."
Kaiya swallowed, then inclined her head. "Of course, Fire Lord Ozai."
He steepled his fingers, letting a moment of tension stretch. "A letter arrived yesterday—from the lieutenant of the colonial holdings. He wrote that you were a hero, that you saved a small town besieged by a powerful earthbender. He even thanked me for dispatching you. Yet I issued no such order. So do tell me, Kaiya... Why were you there when your sole obligation was to Ba Sing Se?"
A knot tightened in her stomach. She kept her voice composed. "My Lord, I received a plea from trusted acquaintances in that town. They warned of an imminent attack. I believed my best course was to go personally. I never claimed that you had sent me—the lieutenant must have misinterpreted my presence. I acted on my own discretion."
Ozai went still, the room's silence almost suffocating. Then he nodded slowly, as though pondering her words. "You informed me that you were priceless—that Ba Sing Se was the only suitable place for one of such delicate value, safe from the hazards of the front lines. Yet now I hear you have spent days bedridden from your little escapade. Did you lie to me, Kaiya? Or was this... a change of heart?"
Her fingers trembled against her robes. "Fire Lord Ozai, I spoke truthfully. I never intended to defy you. But those who reached out had once saved my life when I was their captain. My conscience offered me no choice but to intervene."
Flames roared to life around the throne as Ozai's displeasure manifested. "Your obligations are to the crown—to me." His voice rumbled through the chamber. "We agreed you would remain in Ba Sing Se, hidden from harm. Yet you disregarded my orders. You placed your personal sentiment above your sworn duty."
Kaiya's composure cracked. She bowed low, pressing her forehead to the ground. Her shoulders shook. "I beg your pardon, my Lord. I meant no disrespect."
Ozai's fire receded to a simmer, but the air crackled with his ire. "So now that you have demonstrated your versatility, perhaps I will employ you in a more... flexible capacity."
Kaiya lifted her gaze, confusion tugging at her features. She dared not voice her questions.
A faint smile curved Ozai's lips—more threatening than any scowl. "On the day of Sozin's Comet, I am to make a special proclamation. You will remain in the Fire Nation capital until then. Further details will be delivered in due time."
Her heart lurched. "My Lord, what of Ba Sing Se?"
Ozai's eyes narrowed. "I am grateful for the... blueprint you devised for subtly managing the city, but your services there are no longer required. Others shall enforce your methods. You are to stay here."
Kaiya hesitated, swallowing hard. "My mother resides in Ba Sing Se still. Will she be—"
He cut her off with an icy glare. "Your new duties are best performed without... distractions. Your mother remains where she is."
A tremor passed through Kaiya. She lowered her head, voice barely audible. "Yes, Fire Lord Ozai." She turned to leave, footsteps echoing in the hush of the chamber.
Behind her, Ozai watched, a grim satisfaction brightening his gaze. As the massive doors creaked open, Kaiya felt a single tear slide down her cheek—hot and unbidden—falling to the polished floor that reflected Fire Lord Ozai's triumphant grin.