Title: Xiǎo Hái
Summary: My twisted version of why Iroh doesn't call Azula his niece. (Because if you've never noticed, he calls Zuko nephew a lot and Ozai, brother, occasionally; but when it comes to Azula it's always her title or her name. But never 'niece.')

There were many secrets in the Fire Nation's royal family.

"You know Zuzu, there were rumors about your relationship to Dad."

"What do you mean...?"

"That you're not really his son."

A woman sought comfort in the only man who would listen to her--the most caring and loving man that she knew, aside from her father. The man embraced her, as she pour her heart out to him, "He's changed. He's changed so much. I don't know what to do. I still love him though."

The man said nothing, because he didn't know what to tell her--anything would've been a lie and he didn't want to lie to her.

"What? What are you playing at Azula?"

"Oh come on, the resemblance in nature is uncanny. You're both so weak."

The man smiled seeing his beloved's face, as he greeted her in the gardens. He embraced her and gave her a quick and chaste kiss. He noticed her unsettling features, "What's wrong?"

"I'm pregnant. And it's yours," she told him worriedly. The price, if anyone found out, would be dire.

"Are you saying I'm uncle's real son?"

The woman submitted to her husband's wishes, and when the time was right, she told him she was pregnant. He was elated, believing the child was his.

"Azula,"

"Uncle."

"What you say is false."

"Oh? You're saying my mother wasn't your whore?"

"Don't defile your mother's memory--"

"And don't speak of her as if she were a saint!"

Nine months later the woman gave birth to a healthy baby. Her husband adored the child and left to tell their sovereign of the good news. The baby's father entered his lover's chamber to finally see her. She smiled at him, "Iroh."

"Ursa, how are you?" he asked in return.

"It's true I loved your mother. But to say that Zuko isn't my brother's blood son is a lie."

"Oh? Is that so? That adulterous woman, do you dare say never bore you a child?"

"I'll be fine," Ursa answered happily. "Take a look at your child."

"I won't lie. She did."

"Isn't she beautiful Iroh?" she asked him. They both knew they committed a sin in loving one another--in giving in to temptation.

"No..."

"Yes...Azula you are my blood daughter."

It would be a couple years later, until they realized that their punishment for their sins, had been delivered--in human form. A girl with an angelic face, but the heart of a demon.

A/N: There was suppose to be a second part, Azula's reaction however I thought it was horrible so I don't know if I'll fix it then post it up. The title means, child, by the way. Please correct me, if I'm wrong though.