**Chapter 5: Betrayal in the Palace**

Kuvira's eyes scanned the room, taking in Opal's furious expression and Bolin's stern face, but she seemed entirely unruffled by the tension in the air. "Good morning, Opal," she said, her voice sweet and melodious. "I see you're up early. I trust you're feeling well?" Opal's anger boiled over at Kuvira's insouciant tone. "You know exactly why I'm summoning you, Kuvira," she said, her voice low and menacing. "Bolin here tells me that you betrayed him. That you lured him into a trap and had him ambushed by your guards." Kuvira's expression didn't change, but Opal detected a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "I'm afraid I don't know what Bolin is talking about," Kuvira said, her voice dripping with innocence. "Perhaps he's mistaken or misinformed." Bolin took a step forward, his fists clenched at his sides. "Don't lie to her, Kuvira," he growled. "I know what I saw. You used me, just like you're using Opal. You're using everyone to get what you want." Kuvira's gaze turned to Bolin, and for a moment, Opal thought she saw a flash of anger in her eyes. But then, Kuvira's face smoothed out once more, and she turned back to Opal. "I'm afraid Bolin is still reeling from the aftermath of the war," she said. "His perceptions may be... skewed." Opal's anger reached a boiling point. She felt a surge of earth energy building inside her, and she knew that if she wasn't careful, she might lose control and lash out at Kuvira. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, but her voice was still icy. "I don't believe you, Kuvira," she said. "I think Bolin is telling the truth. And I want to know why you would do such a thing." Kuvira shrugged, her shoulders barely rising off the floor. "Perhaps I was trying to protect myself," she said. "The Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation have a... complicated history. I may have felt the need to take precautions." Opal's eyes narrowed. "Precautions?" she repeated. "You call ambushing an unarmed man a precaution? I call it betrayal." The air in the room seemed to vibrate with tension as Kuvira and Opal locked eyes. For a moment, it seemed as though the entire world was holding its breath, waiting to see what would happen next. Then, Kuvira spoke, her voice low and husky. "I think, Opal, that we need to have a... more private conversation. About this, and about the future of our nations." Opal's instincts screamed at her to refuse, to tell Kuvira that she would never trust her again. But something about Kuvira's words resonated deep within her. She wanted to know what Kuvira was really planning, what her true goals were. And she was willing to take a risk to find out. "Very well," Opal said, her voice still cold, but with a hint of determination. "Let's talk. In private." Kuvira's face broke into a small, enigmatic smile. "Excellent," she said. "I'll meet you in the garden, Opal. Alone." With that, Kuvira turned and swept out of the room, leaving Opal and Bolin staring after her. "What are you doing, Opal?" Bolin asked, his voice low and concerned. "You can't trust her." Opal turned to him, her eyes glinting with a fierce determination. "I know, Bolin," she said. "But I have to try. For the sake of our nations, and for the sake of peace. I'll meet with her, and I'll find out what she's really planning."