Chapter 10 - Night Whispers
Azula was glad to be back on the road. They had ridden Appa most of the night and had finally found a place to camp.
"Thanks for coming with me." Zuko said as they entered the mailing post.
Azula ignored him as she watched the post workers sort messages brought by messenger hawks. They had set up an area for the hawks to eat and drink. Despite its small size, the mailing post was kept clean and running efficiently.
A man behind a tall desk greeted them. "Hello. How may I help you?"
"We are retrieving a message for the Fire Lord." Azula answered.
The man smiled and bowed. "Just one moment."
As the man went to a room further back Zuko leaned in and whispered to his sister, "You don't need to speak for me."
Azula waved him off. "Don't be silly Zuko. Since there are no court attendants then I must do it. Just because we aren't in the palace does not mean you stop acting like a monarch."
The man came back with a couple of letters. "These letters have seen a lot of travel. I'm glad we saved them for you. One more day and off to Omashu they would go. For your convenience, we have an extra room if you'd like to use it to read and write responses."
Zuko nodded. "Thank you for your hospitality."
The man nodded as he showed them into a spacious room. There were many windows that let in cool air and sunlight. There was a simple desk with a comfortable chair and writing materials. Across the room was a lounge sofa. Another man came in with iced fruit drinks.
"Is there anything else I may do for you?"
"You've done just fine. Thank you." Azula dismissed the man. She took a seat on the sofa and took out her sketchbook from her satchel.
Zuko read in silence for a half hour before he turned to look at Azula. "The Tochigi clan is trying to cause problems."
Azula looked at him unfazed. The Tochigi clan was an old noble family who were strong supporters of the war. The war had made them rich again when before Sozin all they had was their name. It didn't surprise Azula that they were a thorn at Zuko's side. "How so?"
"Uncle says they wonder what kind of Fire Lord would leave the throne for so long. For now it is just whispers but Uncle isn't sure how strong of a following they have."
Azula smirked, "The simple solution would be to nib it in the bud. Father never allowed gossip."
Zuko frowned. He remembered his father's reign; it was one of fear. He didn't want to rule in the same fashion. "I'm not Father."
Azula held back a laugh. She knew what was going through Zuko's mind. He was remembering the fear the court had. The rumors of the unspeakable torture those who opposed or seemed to oppose Ozai suffered. "Clearly you can't stomach the methods Father used but I do have an idea that will keep them quiet, at least until we return to court."
Zuko watched her suspiciously as she moved to the desk and wrote a letter. She handed him the paper with her elegant script. "'The Crown Princess Azula, Heir to the Fire Nation Throne, Sister of Fire Lord Zuko looks forward to a reunion with the Tochigi House upon her return.' Azula we haven't officially decreed you my heir."
Azula rolled her eyes. "Think Zuzu. What will happen when Uncle reads this in court?"
Zuko's eyebrows furrowed. "People will wonder whether you really are the heir or not."
Azula smiled. "Exactly, which will shift the gossip. It also takes care of your Tochigi problem. Everyone will avoid them for fear of appearing to be friends with possibly dead men."
Zuko had to admit Azula's plan was genius. Her reputation was enough to strike terror in people's hearts; no one could guess if Azula meant good or harm. "Okay. I'll send instructions to Uncle."
He finished his letters and handed them to the man behind the tall desk.
"Fire Lord Zuko. We just received a letter for Avatar Aang." The man handed Zuko a light envelope.
"I'll be sure he receives it." Zuko knew the hand writing right away, Katara.
"Thank you, your highness." Zuko nodded and tipped the man.
Azula was waiting outside. "What's that?"
"A letter for Aang from Katara." Zuko said nonchalantly. He didn't notice the tinniest frown on Azula's face.
"You're back!" Aang said as he finished cleaning the gunk from Appa's toes.
"This is for you." Zuko waved the letter around.
Aang jumped down and took it. He sighed, recognizing the handwriting. He didn't know what Katara could possibly write to him. He tucked it in his shirt to read later.
He turned to Azula. She was helping Mai with the rice, the sun shining behind her. Her amber eyes looked up at him before turning back to the dinner. Aang couldn't help but smile. It was in these small moments he wished he could just kiss her out in the open.
"Dinner is ready." Mai called.
Azula handed Aang a plate with extra bok choy, his favorite. He let his fingers linger just a moment longer than necessary as he took the plate from her.
Zuko gave Aang a dirty look and motioned for Azula to sit next to him. Aang turned away trying to act as if he didn't care.
"Who's your letter from Aang?" Mai asked.
"Oh…from Katara."
"What news does she have?" Zuko asked curiously. Katara traveled as much as Aang and usually had good stories or interesting news.
Azula could see the Avatar was peeved. He took the letter from his shirt and tore it open. He scanned it quickly before putting it away again. "She wants us to stop in Kyoshi Island. Everyone is going to be there in a few weeks."
Zuko furrowed his brows. "I don't know. The stop in Omashu is putting us behind schedule."
"I think you're right Zuko." Aang quickly agreed.
"Actually, I think we should go. We haven't seen our friends in a long time." Mai said surprising them.
"But the schedule…"
"The schedule is something you created Zuzu. If Mother has been there for almost a decade I doubt she will leave anytime soon. I agree with Mai, you should visit your friends." Azula intervened.
"You want to go?" Zuko was stunned.
Azula shrugged, "I've never been to Kyoshi Island. Plus I do look good in a bikini."
Mai snickered but Aang was worried. He made eye contact with Zuko, both men were apprehensive of how their friends would receive Azula.
"Let's decide after Zuko's meeting in Omashu." Aang finalized.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
It was a moonless night outside making it easier for him to sneak into Azula's tent. She eagerly awaited him but she wasn't as eager as he was. Aang assaulted her with kisses, his teeth grazing her skin. He roughly pushed her down untying the knot on her robe.
Her ivory flesh burned under his touch. He growled as she nibbled his neck, her fingers tracing warm circles on his back. "Shh…they might hear you."
His kissed her hard, his hands cupping her breasts. "I don't care."
Azula pushed him away, "Well, I do."
Aang exhaled heavily but decided not to push it. He gently ran his finger across her jaw. "Sorry."
She arched her back inviting him back into her good graces. He smirked as he bent down kissing her gently.
She held back a moan, feeling him enter. His earlier ferocity flashed across his eyes. It took all her will power to keep quiet.
As she curled her body around him drifting into sleep, he thought back to Katara's letter. He wasn't honest with his companions about the whole content of the letter. It had started in typical Katara fashion, reminding him to eat and sleep enough and to relay the message to everyone else. The invitation to Kyoshi Island though was more for him than the group.
"Everyone misses you, Zuko and Mai. I know Zuko is on a mission but a short stop won't hurt. To be honest Aang, I really miss you. We didn't leave things right between us and I hope we can fix that. I've had a lot of time to think and well…it's best if we talk in person. I love you Aang."
It irked him that she didn't mention Azula. Aang knew Sokka would have mentioned his suspicion to Katara yet she didn't even acknowledge the fact that Azula was part of their group. Did Katara really believe he would wait and pine after her? Yes, she did because that's what the old Aang would have done.
He looked down at his sleeping princess, his heart swelling protectively. He kissed her hair and whispered promises of eternal love and a bright future.
Azula rarely had trouble sleeping but she was attuned to the Avatar's mood. She lay in his arms with her eyes closed willing sleep to come. She didn't understand why the Water peasant's letter had bothered him so much but before she could admit she was awake and ask he whispered his words of love.
Aang thought she was asleep, that's the only reason he dared say them. Azula could feel him drifting off to sleep and decided to keep quiet. He was half asleep when he spoke of eternal love, she wouldn't hold him up to it. No, instead she would pretend she never heard anything and try to sleep.
Author's Note: I'm sorry for the long delay in updating. I hope you enjoy the chapter. Again a big thank you to eagle eyes98 for reminding me that this story is loved and pushing me to write. Your enthusiasm motivates me :) Please please please don't forget to review! It means a lot to me.