Azula wasn't sure she believed in the divine right to rule. Fire nation history was full of usurpations by the "lesser" families, her own lineage being a product of such regime changes. Were spirits simply fickle or were men wrong to think the spirits had anything to do with their government affairs? It did seem like a frivolous pursuit.
It follows naturally that if they weren't the chosen as rulers, then their actions were no more sanctified than that of an ant spreading over new territory for food. What was the point of it all the media clamor then?
Azula at that point realized that her instincts were not functioning correctly, because these were dangerous thoughts to be thinking, even as princess and presumptuous heir, assuming Zuko continued to act like an idiot.
However, she noted soberly, unlike her, Zuko hadn't forfeited his belief in the superstition that was their mandate. He would continue to carry on in the safe delusion that was their aristocracy, while she would be constantly watching her tongue and faking interest in their functions.
Maybe she hung out with Mai too much.
Eh, Ty Lee's incessant enthusiasm more than made up for her other friend's perpetual cynicism.
Balance. Wasn't that what her crazy uncle always expounded?
She didn't come up with these ideas all on her own, of course. As a doer and a practitioner, she had no talent for natural philosophy. There were books though that she read. Books that if her father or anyone with a brain knew about would have them immediately banned from distribution. And if their authors were not decades or centuries in their graves would have their heads removed from their shoulders in secret.
There was a bustle behind her and the thud of something hitting the floor. A weak, "I'm sorry, your Majesty," explained the commotion and Azula found herself rolling her eyes at the clumsiness of her servant. Were ordinary people always this inept?
She froze, however, when she saw the spine of the item which had been knocked out of its place on the oak shelf. As the servant bent over to pick the item up, Azula barked, "Don't touch that!"
The servant flinched and straightened up as commanded.
"Leave me," was the simple order and her girl in waiting wasted no time in departing from the room.
For there was another subject which she was inclined to investigate, this one equally dangerous if not more so, and Azula cursed herself for leaving the evidence out. She reached over and carefully lifted the book, flipping through the pages, absently. It was summer and her visions typically relented this time of the year. The pattern scared her. She refused to think it was more than a coincidence, so she turned toward these medical books. Although the idea she couldn't trust her mind was quite intimidating as well.
But then, in the back of her mind, considering the things that she saw, the likelihood that this was physical in origin was the same as the likelihood her azure bending was totally an accident.
The royal banquet hall was used for all dining purposes. It was a pain to get to and just felt silly sitting there with one other occupant, but Azula counted it as the cost of royalty.
"Good morning, father." Azula didn't really like speaking in the morning, but it was custom for the fire lord to be greeted first and always. These breakfasts weren't always mandatory, but after her mother left, it seemed like her father decided to get serious about 'family.' Which was laughable in of itself.
He didn't respond. That was another custom of being around the fire lord. He could completely ignore you. Nevertheless, Azula inwardly sighed, knowing that this was not a good sign. She could feel the headache coming on from her routine being smashed to pieces.
"Azula, you know, you have always been a strange child."
Just what a child wants to hear most from their parents. Azula felt her blood getting warmer as her mind speculated all the terrible places this conversation could be going.
"As a potential heir, it is not appropriate to never leave the confines of the palace. Your standing does not increase. Your brother, by all measures, has eclipsed you in that respect, albeit it was forced."
Wow, this whole time she never guessed she was this into the doghouse.
"So, I shall do you the same favor. You will take my best ship and go to the city of Omashu. Rename it to New Ozai in honor of our victories. And make sure the governor there is doing a satisfactory job."
Probably the thing she hated most about her father since he ascended to the throne is how he had mastered the talk of a politician.
"Yes, father," she bowed her head.
Later in her room, after she wallowed in self-pity for a while, she decided to look on the bright side. If she was honest with herself, she should not be begrudging this opportunity. For it was very illuminating. A long time she had been preoccupied with her studies, assuming the fact she wasn't her brother was enough to earn her father's regard.
Apparently, it wasn't, and now she had the chance to put into practice everything she learned.
She would go out there and accomplish something great! As tedious as it sounded.