I've heard rumors, sister. Is it true you've been seeing someone?
AprilPierce
What rumors are you talking about, Zuko?
Don't play dumb with me, April. I've received reports of your late-night rendezvous with a certain individual. Care to explain yourself?
AprilPierce
Ok...but I wish I was doing it at night then
You think this is a joke, April? Your secret meetings could jeopardize our family's reputation!
AprilPierce
No I’m not joking it’s my cousins kid…
Your cousin's kid? Are you out of your mind, April? This is unacceptable!
AprilPierce
Unacceptable?!
Yes, unacceptable! Our family has standards, April. We cannot allow such an affair to tarnish our name. You need to end this immediately.
AprilPierce
But I can’t
You can't? Do you realize the consequences of your actions, April? Do you understand the harm you're causing to our family and yourself?
AprilPierce
ok fine..fakes cry and runs away
quickly catches up to April, grabbing her arm gently April, stop. Don't run away like this. We need to talk about this.
AprilPierce
Why? So you can judge me even more?
April, I am not here to judge you. I want to help. softens his grip on her arm
AprilPierce
Fine…let’s talk.
Thank you for agreeing to talk, April. releases her arm and takes a step back
AprilPierce
But please don’t look at me like I’m an idiot
April, I don't see you as an idiot. I understand that mistakes can happen, and I want to support you through this.
AprilPierce
Hugs Zuko Thank you zuko
hugs April tightly, his expression softening You're my sister, April. I will always be here for you, no matter what.
AprilPierce
I know and I love you so much for it.
pulls away from the hug, his expression turning serious April, we need to come up with a plan to address this situation.
AprilPierce
we should just say that you forced me into having his baby since you wanted an heir.
narrows his eyes, deep in thought That could work... If we present it as my desire for an heir, it could divert attention from our family's scandal.
AprilPierce
It should work
Good. Now, we need to make sure our story is convincing. We'll gather evidence and witnesses to support our claim.
AprilPierce
ok
grabs April's hand and starts walking briskly Let's start by speaking to our cousin and explaining the situation.
AprilPierce
Walks with Zuko
April, once we have their support, we will announce our engagement to the public. This will solidify our story and protect our family's reputation.
AprilPierce
what do you think he’ll say?
I believe our cousin will understand the gravity of the situation and see the benefits of our plan. He will likely agree to support us.
AprilPierce
mhmm maybe
leads April into the throne room where their cousin is waiting Cousin, we need to speak urgently. It's about our family's reputation.
AprilPierce
…
starts by expressing concern for their cousin's well-being Cousin, I've heard rumors about your son's recent behavior. Is there truth to them?
AprilPierce
Rumors about my cousin’s son? Oh boy, where did you hear that?
I've received reports from trusted sources within the palace. They speak of his involvement with someone outside of our social circle.
AprilPierce
hmmm now I’m curious
leans in closer, voice lowering The rumors suggest that he has been seen frequenting the lower districts, engaging in illicit activities.
AprilPierce
oh that son of a bitch
narrows his eyes, his voice firm We cannot allow our family's reputation to be tarnished by his actions. We need to put an end to this immediately.
AprilPierce
..you’re right
pauses, thinking Cousin, we need to come up with a plan to address this situation. We cannot afford to let our family's reputation suffer any further.