Chapter 33
The last nine months had gone rather well in Ozai's opinion, all things considered. Certainly the nightmares persisted, but the palace chemist had finally perfected a drought that at least got him some restful sleep. The dearth of ill tidings had certainly helped as well. There was a sense of calm, as though the world was holding its breath. He and his brother both seemed to be taking their time before striking at the other again.
After his spy had left to return to Ba Sing Se, he had called his council. He informed them of his new plans regarding the water tribe woman that he believed was carrying the next Avatar. At first they were dubious of his claims. How could he know the mother's identity with any real certainty before the child was even born? At his insistence however, they eventually capitulated. It only made sense that it would be the previous Avatars pet waterbender. They were, as he was, concerned about their inability to communicate easily with his spies but a plan was forthcoming nonetheless. All they had to do was wait and hope that his brother would grow lax in his security. How difficult could it possibly be to kidnap one little infant?
Several weeks later the full proposal for his new air fleet was finished. He had demanded twice as many ships, he wouldn't have the comet to aid him this time after all. One division would attack from the North, one straight on, with the third sweeping up from the South. While all rather impressive to talk about, his advisers had pointed out the one rather glaring problem with his plan that he had been vehemently ignoring. The Fire Nation was essentially broke. Even with his proposed tax increase it would take years.
The massive Phoenix King push and the first airship fleet had been an investment in a future that no longer existed. Azula's failure to hold her place as Fire Lord and his own unprecedented defeat had been a humiliating combination. Even though he had killed Aang, the fallen Avatar had sent him back to the Fire Nation capital wreathed in shame. Ozai had been forced to set aside the mantle of Phoenix King for the time being. There must always be a Fire Lord in the Fire Nation after all. He had kept the impressive suit and had it displayed in his private chambers though. It taunted him, fueling his inner fire as he plotted to bring the world to heel.
That was where he sat, staring at his reflection in the polished red metal contemplating tax rates, when one of Lei's servants came rushing in. The poor simpleton had the decency to look suitably horrified after realizing her mistake. Daring to burst in on him without being given leave to enter, Ozai had executed men for less. Her news however, was important enough that he quickly forgot her completely.
"Fire Lord Ozai, it's Lady Lei, she's gone into labor!"
His frown became a dark grin as he stood and pushed passed the servant girl, knocking her down in his haste. At her small noise of pain, Ozai paused long enough to glare down at her as he stalked from the room.
Fire Lady Lei's chambers were at the other end of the family wing. As he neared, he could hear her cries that filled the hall and echoed off the bare lacquered walls. She was howling like a dying hog-monkey. Sneering, Ozai approached the servant standing by the closed door.
"How long has it been?"
The servant kept her eyes respectfully trained on the floor in front of her as she answered.
"It has been several hours Fire Lord, although it was not until recently that her pains became regular and severe. The midwife believes it will be some time yet. As this is the Fire Lady's first child it is likely she will labor for many more hours. Would you like to sit with her my Lord?"
Ozai sneered at the women for the suggestion. Childbirth was women's work. As though he had nothing better to do than listen to the wailing of a women. When Ursa had given birth, he had spent the hours in meditation with his father. This time he felt like a spar.
"No I will not. Send word when the child is born. I will be in the central courtyard. I suddenly find myself in need of exercise."
With that Ozai strode down the hall, his wife's moans of pain following in his wake.
Hours later, the Fire Lord stood over the two soldiers he'd sparred with. They were both lying on the ground, bare chests heaving from exertion. Ozai dusted his hands off on his pants and straightened his five point crown. Before he could dismiss the other men, the same servant that had flown into his room earlier appeared at the edge of the courtyard waiting patiently to be called on. He was expressionless as he dismissed his sparring partners and pulled his robe back on before turning toward the girl. When he finally addressed her, she looked up and gave him a nervous smile.
"You have a new son Fire Lord Ozai. Lady Lei is well and resting, and the child is with the wet nurse." Ozai smiled, a genuine wide smile that seemed to unnerve the young women. A son. She had paused, casting about nervously before continuing "She was rather insistant she be allowed to nurse the child herself. There was quite an argument, but the head ladies maid was able to set her right about that. It is undignified for a Lady of her standing to care for an infant. Those sorts of menial and tiring tasks are what servants are for." Ozai inwardly lamented his brides low birth but dismissed the thoughts as he fastened his outer robes. "The prince and his nurse are in the nursery if you would like to see him my Lord."
"Yes, I think I would." As he made to do just that, the irritating servant spoke again.
"Um, my Lord, shall I tell Lady Lei to expect you as well? I am certain she would benefit from your company."
"Yes. I think I should speak with her. There are a few things I evidently need to explain to her still regarding her place here." With that he turned and headed for the family wing.
The nursery was next to the Fire Lady's chambers, they were in fact connected via a shared door. When Ozai arrived, the wide window overlooking the small family courtyard had been thrown open to let in the summer breeze but the connecting door was closed. He found the wet nurse sitting beside the window, gently rocking the infant to sleep against her shoulder. She looked up at his entrance and quickly stood to face him.
"Fire Lord Ozai" she ducked her head and held the child out to him, "your son is healthy and strong my Lord."He crossed the room and took his new son from her.
It had been nearly two decades since he had held a baby, he had forgotten how small they were. Black fuzz covered the baby's head, his eyes were newborn dark as he looked up at him. Struck by a rare bout of nostalgia, Ozai recalled it had taken nearly a year for Zuko and Azula's eyes to lighten fully to the bright gold they had all three shared. Would this child's eyes be the same? Lei looked very little like Ursa and her eyes were as dark as night.
He took slow, slightly bouncing steps as he went through the door to his wife's chambers. As he walked, the infant in his arms continued to stare blankly up at him. The maid servant's words had reminded him he needed to speak with Lei. It was passed time he told her how things would be now.
Lei was lying on her side in her large bed, facing away from him. He could see between the partly drawn bed hangings that her shoulders shook gently and when he paused he could hear her sobs. Clearing his throat had an immediate effect. She went rigid for only a moment before wiping roughly at her face and sitting up. Her movements were slow and she winced as if in pain. Upon seeing he carried her baby however, she seemed instantly renewed and reached out for him.
"Please my Lord, they've hardly let me hold him. Please can I have him?" Her face was drawn and pale, her eyes pleading. Feeling mildly generous, Ozai cast her a derisive smile and placed the small boy in her outstretched arms and sat beside her on the bed. Once her baby was in her arms his young wife clutched him tightly to her chest as though she were fearful he'd be snatched away again. For a few moments he watched her kiss his head and rock back and forth, soothing herself as much as the baby. Not opening her eyes, she spoke to him in a pained whisper.
"Why did they take him from me? I am the Fire Lady, surely if I say I will care for him myself they should obey. My mother fed me at her own breast and raised me herself. I want to do the same."
Sighing, Ozai chose his words carefully. While he needed to ensure his new wife's continued devotion, he also would not allow the same mistakes he had made with Zuko to ruin this son as well.
"No. He will be cared for by nurses and servants. You may spend time with him during the day, but the overly emotional and coddling influence of a mother is poison to a Fire Nation prince." Her eyes snapped up to his and he could see her arms tighten around the boy even as her eyes threatened tears again. "Ursa was allowed her own way with Zuko and he was ruined for it. I should have kept them apart more as I did with Azula. You want him to be strong and worthy of the crown he will one day inherit do you not?" He watched through narrowed eyes as she considered his words, her gaze lingering on his son's perfect round face. Finally she clenched her jaw and looked up at Ozai, her eyes shone with unshed tears. Her voice was halting as if the words hurt her to speak but her face was determined.
"Yes my Lord, I do want that... I… I promised you a strong and loyal son… that is what he will be. If my… my mothering him would somehow impede that then... I will obey." She swallowed thickly and her eyes dropped back to her sons face. When she spoke again, tears falling on the babes cheeks, her voice was so soft Ozai had to strain to hear. "He will be a great and honorable Prince of the Fire Nation and a credit to the dynasty."
After allowing her several more minutes with the Prince, he gestured to the nurse who stood at the door.
"The young prince will be needing a feed before bed my lady. You must rest yourself. You may see him again in the morning." The nurse patiently held out her arms as she waited for her mistress to comply. She let out a small sob when she realized she had to give him up again. Lei looked up at Ozai with tear filled, questioning eyes. His hard look expressed all and the tenuous hold she had over herself shattered and she wept silently as she handed her son to the nurse.
Once they were alone again, Ozai stood and did not wait for her to compose herself before speaking.
"Remember wife, your duty is to me first. Serving me, your lord and husband, is how you best serve your nation now. Enjoy these few weeks of rest my dear. The moment the healers declare you healthy enough I will expect you to fulfill that duty again." That said, he spun on his heel and abandoned her to her grief. As he made his way back to his own chambers, he considered sending for a maid. After all, there was no reason he should wait until his wife was whole again. An official mistress was so complicated, but a maid could be kept quiet. Perhaps the girl who had so brashly interrupted him this morning. He thought her name was Ming. Yes, she would do nicely.