As you are herded, like a mindless sheep, into the dark prison cell, you wonder if this is your seven years of bad luck for breaking that mirror in the palace. How else could you explain this? You, the pride of the royal family, the most talented ruler born, defeated by that weakling brother of yours. He is not worthy of even licking your feet.

But you understand that it does not matter if you were stronger or not. It does not matter if you would be a better ruler. Those who win are right and you lost. Whatever your beliefs are, they cease to matter once you lose.

From your cramped cell in the mental ward with its single ray of light that seems to darken the room rather than make it bright and cheery, you plan your escape. Surely Zuko's policies must be unpopular. He would end one hundred years of imperialism and power and glory with a shameful peace and the fire nation would not stand for it. You would be freed by your father's supporters and retake the throne and fix your brother's mistakes before it was too late.

Your hope fades as you hear about Republic city and the status of the colonies as a foreign nation. With that one masterful stroke, Zuko has put to rest any doubts that he would humble the fire nation. No, he was only going to end the war, not punish those who were involved in it. The terms of the treaty also ensures that the Fire Nation would have a steady influx of raw goods coming into it for a long time afterwards.

Finally you are forced to admit that perhaps you and your methods were wrong. Zuko, the brother you thought was weak has managed to survive in the fire nation and used the nation's political and economic clout to establish its supremacy. His ways of compassion and seemingly fair bargains have gotten him somewhere. You crush that thought mercilessly beneath your heels. You are Azula, the rightful Firelord, daughter of Ozai, heir of Azulon and his vision and you regret nothing.

From some unknown recess of your mind you hear your mother's voice whisper, "Liar."

A/N: I hope you like this. Read and review please.