Most babies cry when they are born. The princess of the Fire Nation sent clouds of black smoke flying out of flailing fists. The midwife and attendants screamed in surprise. Ursa could only stare, but Ozai could not contain his delight.
"Look at her!" he crowed. "I've never seen anything like it!"
Ozai barely let the newborn out of his arms long enough for Ursa to hold her. "They say my father could firebend from birth, too," he said, gazing adoringly at his daughter. "We should name her in his honor."
Ursa disliked the idea of saddling her baby girl with the name of her harsh, stern father-in-law, but to say so would be treason. "Azulon . . . Azula," she suggested. "We'll call her Azula."
"Perfect! That's perfect! She's perfect!" Ozai smiled from ear to ear, and Azula mirrored the crooked grin.
"She has your smile," said Ursa.
"But on your face," said Ozai. "Beautiful, just beautiful."
Visitors paraded in, and Azula squirmed and fidgeted restlessly in Ursa's arms. "Mama!" Zuko tripped over his own feet, rushing through the crowded chamber. "Mama! Mama!" He tried to clamber onto Ursa's bed, but Ozai snatched him away.
"Careful now, Zuko. Are you ready to meet your new sister?"
Zuko stared at the baby uncomprehendingly. Ursa's arms was where he belonged. Azula stared back, with wide, alert eyes precisely the same shade of amber.
Even Fire Lord Azulon came to meet the newest addition to the royal family. Everyone in the chamber pressed their foreheads to the floor, and even Ursa bowed her head respectfully. The baby seized her chance to wriggle her arms free of her blankets. A flame like candlelight blossomed in her tiny hand. The Fire Lord himself couldn't conceal his surprise.
"She's a prodigy!" said Ozai proudly. "A true prodigy!"
In a corner, noticed by no one but Ursa, Zuko punched the air and stomped his feet. He could muster only puffs of smoke.