Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: The Last Airbender!" Nothing, nothing.
Author's Notes: And heeeeere we go, boys and girls! Are you ready? I'm ready!
Maraghoul: thought I'd put some bombastic scene near the end there. Hope it paints a pretty picture!
QueenTyzula: Zuko knows how to play the game too, this may be a play on his part to secure his name…. what do you think? I think so :P
Reachabledig41: with everyone dead ala Hamlet! Just kidding, that's not how it ends…..Or will it? (evil look).
My Guest: I love writing canon Azula, she is such a conflicted person. I hope you like where this goes.
"Stoking the Fire"
Chapter fourteen "Royal Announcement"
Mai yawned as she climbed out of the bath. She had left Azula passed out in the rumpled sheets of the rented inn room and had hiked all the way back to her family's estate back in town early the next morning; not without much trepidation and a twinge of regret. For one thing, her heat wasn't over; almost there, but still half a day of hormones. And the sprawled Fire Princess's body was tempting just to look at. The last time she had sunk onto the princess's cock was too delicious a thought. Staring at the pale appendage still erect between her thighs as she hastily dressed had been oh so tempting…
The two servants she had encountered in the kitchen were startled at her disheveled appearance but Mai ignored them and made for the washroom. She hauled up the water herself and barely had time to collapse into the water after one of the servants called in firebended the temperature for her.
Mai sighed as she scrubbed the evidence of raw dirty sex off her skin. She had wiped herself off with the sheets before leaving, but no way was she going to undress again until she was safe in her family's home. As the vestiges of Azula's releases were scrubbed off, and her sweat was washed away, Mai couldn't find it in herself to be ashamed. In fact, she felt very, very good. Azula had been such a good fuck during this time and if she'd never met Zuko, she would have been smitten with the forceful way Azula had taken her in hand.
But alas, she did know Zuko, was married and mated to him, and he had broken her heart yet again. Choosing his own sister to mate with had been a ripe form of punishment she intended to drop on him one day. It would serve him and Ty Lee right. Mai growled to herself, as the image of Zuko rutting her once friend came to the forefront of her mind again. Mai shifted the treacherous image to Azula, on her back and clawing at her hips as she rode her. There, that was better.
Mai felt a twinge of guilt as she imagined how devastated Zuko would be, how his golden eyes would fill with tears and how he'd fall to sobs. It made her feel good for a moment, but then stupid guilt set in. She didn't feel guilty in the slightest over mating with Azula, far from it. But even though she intended to drop the bombshell of it into her husband's lap, she couldn't help feeling slightly bad about that.
But she'd been gone for a couple of weeks. He had to be spending every morning and night with Ty Lee. Damn them! Well, she wouldn't feel bad about it. She refused to.
"Damn you, Zuko…." Mai muttered. She slunk up to her chin in the water and closed her eyes.
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"So….. nice day, huh?" Ty Lee asked nervously. Lady Ursa smiled kindly at her across the table. She and Kiyi took their tea with the new concubine and Ty Lee knew it was an odd elevation of status. She still found it strange Zuko's mother wanted to try and get close to her. But it made sense. If she was going to conceive the royal heir, the royal mother would want to be close to her.
"It is. How are you and Zuko getting on?" Ursa asked. Her heart went out to her son's missing wife, but Ty Lee had always been cheery and kind. She was pleased to see it was a trait still held by the omega.
Ty Lee smiled and blushed. "Just fine. The Fire Sages are going to examine me. We'll have to wait and see."
But she and Zuko already knew she was pregnant. Last night after a private dinner, Zuko had asked to touch her belly and he lay gently with his head in her lap. Ty Lee's hands moved through his hair and they were at peace for a time. His reign would be secured and they just had to have the Fire Sages announce her pregnancy.
"I can't wait to hear the news! I hope things go well," Ursa smiled. Ty Lee blushed. She remembered Azula's wide grin as she rutted her into the floor. Put that aside…
"Me too. Have you…. Or anyone heard from Mai?" Ty Lee ventured to ask. Zuko didn't bring her up, but she knew he was hurting. And she cared enough about him to want everything to be well for him. Ursa pursed her lips and swept her gaze to her daughter. Kiyi sipped her tea carefully, both hands holding onto the cup.
"No, not as of yet. We know where she is….when she wants to talk to us, she will. She loves Zuko. You all can patch things up," Ursa said. Ty Lee nodded, but her gaze swept to the table top.
"Mai's coming back?" Kiyi perked at the end of the conversation. Ty Lee and Ursa shared a look.
"We don't know when, Kiyi. Hopefully soon," Ty Lee said carefully. Kiyi pouted but perked up. Zuko entered the sitting room, clad in his casual lord's robes. He must have opted out of a few meetings that day. Ursa noted Ty Lee brighten at his entrance and the kiss he bestowed on her cheek was affectionate. Her own husband had never kept a royal concubine, but even if Mai's feelings were hurt, she was glad to see her son somewhat happy with the situation.
"Hi, Zuko!" Kiyi brightened. Zuko sat beside Ty Lee. Their hands joined under the table.
"Hi, sis," he smiled. "Mother, how are you?"
"Fine, Zuko. Noren wants to take you hiking out of the capital. He says it'll take your mind off your worries," Ursa suggested. Zuko smiled. He hadn't had the proper chance to try and bond with his mother's new husband, and maybe another day off would do him some good.
"That sounds great, actually," Zuko admitted. "I'd like that."
"Good," Ursa beamed. Zuko tightened his hold on Ty Lee's fingers. She cast a sideways look at his serious eyes. They squeezed fingers.
"I must take Ty Lee from you for awhile, Mother. If that's okay," Zuko stammered. His mother gave her consent and he climbed around the table to kiss her cheek. Kiyi got a big hug and giggled. Ty Lee accepted Zuko's arm and they left for his private apartments. Tsung and Yoshiko were on guard outside the main door and Tsung's eyebrow raised at Ty Lee. She blushed.
Inside, Zuko shut the shutters to his windows and lit a few braziers for light. Ty Lee sank into one of the sofas.
"The Fire Sages won't examine you for another moon's turn. I've been given the suggestion we…. Sleep together a few more times to ensure a pregnancy," Zuko said lowly. He knelt before Ty Lee on the floor and chivalrously held her hand between his. Ty Lee's lips quirked into a smile. Her braid was pushed over one shoulder.
"I imagine they'd want that. To ensure I'm pregnant," she added slyly. Zuko's eyes twinkled. The subterfuge would keep up for another month or so and after the examination, they could breathe a sigh of relief. To think parts of the subterfuge were growing far more pleasurable was a good turn of pace. Their hearts were aptly cradled by the other and they were comfortable with each other's company.
And bodies. Even clad in their royal robes, each knew the outline of the other. Zuko's eyes flashed from her low collar, to the bare hint of her collarbone and cleavage, to the swell of her breasts and the rest of the robe's modest sweep to the floor.
"Will that be acceptable to you, Ty?" Zuko asked gently. Ty Lee cupped the side of his face. Her fingers stroked his smooth cheek beneath his scar.
"I think it'll be more than fine. I've been filled with lust the past few days. You could definitely help with that," Ty Lee teased. She found she liked the polite blush on Zuko's face as she trailed a finger up and down his robe front. "How is your….little problem lately? I bet you can't wait 'til we're together again…"
Zuko felt himself stiffen as her eyes swept down to his waist. Those brown eyes sparkled with a dangerous joy as she saw the effect she was having on him. "I can't," he admitted. "I need you, Ty."
"Oh poor Fire Lord, you look like you're having a big problem," Ty Lee licked her lips. She tugged on Zuko's shoulders, urging him into the sofa. She pressed against him for a kiss and their tongues stroked eagerly. Zuko groaned as she pressed against his length, rubbing against it.
"Ty, damn, you always tease me," he groaned with longing. Ty Lee swiped her tongue along his lower lip and pressed her kisses lower. Soon she was on her knees, pulling at the sash of his robe. Zuko scrambled to hike the clothing higher so she could get to his cock. Ty Lee lavished attention on the head, lips caressing. Her mouth opened and she slowly sank down, taking him into her throat.
Zuko's startled gasps were wonderful to hear and Ty Lee could feel an answering heat throb between her thighs. It was a superficially submissive position; she felt like she was the one in complete control, making the Fire Lord arch his hips off the sofa.
Ty Lee murmured around him and ran her hands down his thighs. Zuko's fingers twined into her hair gently.
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Azula crossed her arms. Zirin had hovered at her elbow day and night after she had staggered back to Lord Shun's from her day and a half of pure pleasure with the Fire Lady. To see Azula so weak-kneed was abnormal but when Zirin demanded where she had been, Azula could only smile slyly in response.
That had been a couple of short weeks ago and Zirin was secretly pleased to see Azula redouble her recruiting plans. They saw more soldiers and lords and the number of her supporters had all but doubled since her slight disappearance. Azula moved like a woman on a mission and Zirin hoped the hard light behind her eyes would be sated one day.
"They're getting better," Zirin muttered. Azula smirked at her over her shoulder. Not one hair was out of her topknot and her trousers and tunic were impeccable. She gave a curt nod.
"They had better if we're going to take the capital," she vowed. Zirin liked the confidence in Azula's words, but she was closest to her. She knew that the princess could be lost if not driving forward to a goal. The worst times were late at night. Azula all but exhausted all of Lord Shun's girl servants, asking for more and more to be offered to her.
Lord Shun obliged her wishes, but the girls were getting worn out. Zirin hoped one of them could tame the princess's lost wishes, but so far no one could. Princess Azula was untamable.
"Tell me you'll get some rest tonight. I can have Shun make you a draught," Zirin offered. Azula glowered at her, brows knit low.
"I don't need any help," she snapped. "I just need you to get off my back."
"I think you could carry me, if that were the case," Zirin said dryly. Azula growled and flashed a steaming fist at her. She struck and kept the offered fist against Zirin's tunic shoulder. The girl only blinked at her. "I know you're tired, Azula."
"The girls can wear me out if they see fit to," Azula growled. Zirin turned and leaned against the wall of the estate, arms crossed.
"This doesn't have to do with how we left the capital? Or where you vanished to after leaving Lady Sachiko's?" Zirin asked dryly. Azula this time punched and retracted her fist an inch from Zirin's throat. The braided girl still didn't flinch.
"Stay out of my way, Zirin," Azula warned. Zirin inclined her head politely, but a harsh light was in her eyes.
"As you wish, princess," Zirin acquiesced. Azula growled and strode through the courtyard. The speed the soldiers slammed to their knees on the cobblestones was gratifying but it couldn't ease the hollow pit in her stomach. Her heart lurched. She had resolved not to think of her once lover, and fucking Mai had been a great distraction to place over that memory, but Zirin kept pushing her. One of these days, she was going to hurt her and badly for overstepping her place.
Azula hissed and surged herself into a charge, arching into a spinning back kick, fire streaming from her boot. The soldiers scattered and returned the attack and Azula felt almost normal through the impromptu sparring. Zirin watched her, unconvinced.
If they tried to attack the capital at this rate, Azula would fall to her past anxieties. She could only placate her moods so long. Zirin privately wondered what she could do or what COULD be done. Fire Princess Azula was by no means an easy candidate to work for. She wouldn't admit anything was wrong if approached. Zirin sighed. She wondered if Azula couldn't perform, if her soldiers would still fight for her. They could very well all die in their attempt.
No matter. The mere thought of death didn't frighten Zirin. It seemed most preferable to the dark walls of an institution padded cell. She watched Azula stalk off, leaving ten soldiers sprawled on the floor in her wake.
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Zuko poured himself a glass of wine and waited. Suki was at his elbow, making small talk, but his mind was elsewhere, obviously. He had put his ministers off yet again and one had the gall to bitterly protest aloud. Zuko may have been physically smitten with his new concubine, but no one could fault him for that, right?
"And the Warriors are keeping up all patrols around the perimeter of the palace…..abit much?" Suki admitted. Zuko blinked and smiled shyly at her.
"I'm so sorry, Suki. You've been nothing but a good friend and I've been so distracted," he gave. Suki smiled and patted his arm. Zuko was clad in nothing but a casual bed robe, dark red and stitched with golden flames on the sleeves.
"It's okay, Zuko. I understand. Do you want Tsung and I to guard the door tonight?" she asked. Zuko nodded distractedly. The servants had just delivered the evening meal and he arranged the dishes in a pleasing display on the small dining table in his chambers.
"Please. I feel more safe with you and the Kyoshi Warriors around," he smiled. Suki nodded. She was about to speak when there was a knock at his apartment doors. Zuko straightened, blushing and Suki felt her heart dash to her feet. Ty Lee and he may not have been in love with each other, but they certainly enjoyed each other's company. It hurt her badly. She had been so close to revealing her feelings and then all of the royal heir business had blown up. Mai wasn't the only one upset by the sequence of events.
"Enter!" Zuko commanded. The door opened and Zuko stiffened, noticing two of his royal guards. They ushered in Ty Lee, dressed down in her own bed robe. Ying was at her side and departed, to guard the front door. Suki gave a bob of a bow to Zuko, but he was already smiling, his gaze only for Ty Lee. Her heart lurched. "Good evening, Ty Lee."
"Good evening," Ty Lee grinned. She waved to Suki and the door was shut behind them. The two regarded each other and Zuko coughed, walking to the table.
"Please," he gestured, pulling one of the chairs out. Ty Lee pushed her braid over one shoulder and sat down, allowing him to tuck her in. Zuko jogged to his side of the table and lifted the lids off the dishes. Steam wafted up.
"Eager, huh?" Ty Lee couldn't help but grin at him. Zuko blushed and served her. Ty Lee accepted the plate and waited for Zuko to fill his own plate before digging in with her chopsticks.
"Maybe I'm a bit nervous," Zuko admitted. He drank rapidly from his wine glass. He was about to pour himself another glass when Ty Lee laid her hand over his wrist.
"Nervous about what? And could I have some?" she asked. Zuko nodded. It wasn't unheard of for an expectant mother to have a glass of wine in the early days of her pregnancy. Ty Lee sipped carefully.
Zuko watched her, chin perched on one hand. "Maybe I won't stack up. We had abit of help getting our lust up in the temple," he reflected. Ty Lee gave him a wry smile.
"That was so much heat. I thought I was going to die," she teased. Zuko blushed. Their fingers met across the table.
"I just hope….you'll still want me," he reflected. Ty Lee smiled as his golden eyes brooded on the tablecloth. Ty Lee went back to eating slowly.
"The other day wasn't indicator enough?" she asked in a teasing manner. At Zuko's blush, she laughed. "Of course I still want you. You'll probably not want me after I get all fat and huge."
Zuko's heart hammered in his breast. "I don't think that'll be the case," he vowed. Ty Lee beamed at him. He resumed eating, his heart rate increasing with anticipation. They enjoyed the rest of their meal and Zuko lit up the huge fireplace in his living room. Ty Lee clasped her crystal goblet, slowly enjoying her glass of wine. Zuko poured himself another and they stood before the blaze, watching the orange and yellow flames lick the stones in the hearth.
"Just think, we're at the start of securing my reign," Zuko reflected. Ty Lee nodded, eyes somewhat serious. She sipped her wine again.
"Never thought I'd have a hand in that," she admitted somewhat wryly. Zuko chuckled and set his glass on an end table. Ty Lee did the same and was swept into his arms. Zuko began a slow waltz and they circled the furniture in the living room in graceful turns. "You ARE a romantic, aren't you?"
"When I'm allowed to be," Zuko admitted. His arms swept low, embracing Ty Lee's back. Her arms circled his neck. Zuko began humming a ball melody; he then began singing aloud in an offkey manner.
"My love, joined as one, running like droplets into a river, swept out to the endless dawn…."
Ty Lee blushed, but the melody was a fine one. Lyrics aside, they were both happy with each other and she wanted to stay that way. "Zuko…"
Zuko paused and gently clasped her waist. He bent and lifted her and Ty Lee smiled down at him Zuko's grin was infectious and when he let her down, her arms twined around his neck. "Oh, Zu…."
Zuko's hands made her feel safe and his mood was happy. Ty Lee kissed the side of his throat until his face turned down. She leaned up and kissed his lips. Their mouths moved slowly then with growing passion. Ty Lee was so at peace in his hands, she felt light-headed. The firm bulge below Zuko's waist was flattering and she pushed against it, feeling it push against her belly through their robes. Zuko cupped the back of her head and stroked his tongue into her mouth firmly. Ty Lee trembled in his arms.
Zuko swept an arm around her waist and lifted so her feet dangled; he carried her to the sofa. Ty Lee tugged him down with her and their robes were shrugged open. Zuko was eager, but considerate to make sure she was ready. Ty Lee sighed, arms going around his neck as he bent his head to her breasts, lips seeking out her nipples. His large hand was warm across her lower belly and his kisses went lower. Ty Lee smiled and spread her thighs. Zuko face dipped low and his tongue stroked her insistently. Ty Lee sighed then moaned as his mouth came up and settled on her clit, coaxing it from its hood. He sucked and licked it carefully, face flushed with arousal.
"Come here," she beckoned. Zuko knelt up, pushing at his robe. His cock throbbed, pointing at her and Ty Lee squeezed the base of it. She loved hearing Zuko gasp for breath when she did that. Zuko's hands went for her breasts and he knelt up on the sofa, pressing Ty Lee into the back of it. He reached down to grip the base of his cock and angled it against Ty Lee's folds. They both gasped in one breath as he pushed the first inch in firmly. Ty Lee's hands moved up and down his back, tugging at him.
Zuko kissed the side of her throat gently as he pushed in. His hips nudged her inner thighs. As they wound higher and higher, Zuko didn't want to disbelieve his luck. Ty Lee was beautiful, open to his cock and clutching at him with trembling hands. Her inner walls clung to his length and made him surge harder and faster against her. He groaned aloud, face pressed beside the omega's throat. Her fingers scraped up his back.
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A month later:
Ty Lee clasped Ying's hand as they made their way to the gaping entrance of the capital Fire Temple. Zuko was waiting inside with three junior Fire Sages, and they escorted the women to the examining room.
"My lord wishes to attend?" one of the black bearded men asked. Zuko nodded. He was dressed in his best trousers, tunic and cloak. His boots rasped against the stone floor as they walked further in.
"Everything will be fine," Ying assured Ty Lee. She held onto her friend's hand and Zuko gently took her other arm. Ty Lee laughed as she was flanked by their well-wishes.
"Guys, I'm okay. We're in a safe place," she grinned. Zuko only tightened his hold on her inner arm, fingers gentle. Ying kept her hand. Both didn't shy away when Ty Lee was told to undress and put on a simple sheer robe. Ty Lee did so, shivering. Zuko put an arm around her and swelled his chi, warming her. She smiled her thanks up at him.
"Thanks," she said. The three made their way to the next chamber where the mute junior sages were waiting. One gathered his divination tools and the others ran his hands up and down Ty Lee's bared torso, hands warm, pulling out her chi and measuring it. The older man started, blinked again and again and re-ran his hands up and down. Zuko felt his stomach tighten. He had to read the pregnancy…it was right before him…..
He almost sagged in relief when the bearded man grinned, showing white teeth, and gestured to his partner. The other man started and clapped his hands in approval. He made a few marks on a scroll and bundled it under one arm and ran it to the adjoining chamber. The sage remaining finally laid his hands on Ty Lee's flat belly. He grinned down at her, patting her gently.
Ty Lee gave a nervous smile and Ying beamed. The still smile on Zuko's face glowed in his eyes. They sighed in relief as they regarded each other.
The mute sage gestured rapidly and Ying helped Ty Lee back into her sheer robe. Zuko kept an arm around her as they moved into the chamber with the wooden table. The Head Fire Sage was smiling, nodding as he examined the simple scratches on the scroll in front of him.
"Assessing the chi showed a doubling in weight; congratulations, my lord, my lady. You are with child," The Head Fire Sage wiped a tear from the corner of his eyes. Zuko gave a happy yelp and his reaction wasn't feigned. The woman he was taking care of was pregnant. Now maybe all the obstinate lords would calm down with the news of an heir apparent on the way.
No one need know the truth but the three of them and Suki.
"Congratulations!" Ying grinned, clasping Ty Lee's arm. They shared a secret smile. Zuko wrapped his arms around Ty Lee and buried his face in her shoulder.
"Thank you," he whispered. Ty Lee held the back of his head. Azula's still golden eyes flashed behind her eyes and her heart fell to her stomach. The flashes of love she felt for the Fire Princess surged suddenly. She would always love Azula. But she couldn't bring it in her to bring down Zuko's happiness.
"Zuko," she said. Azula was pushed out of her mind when Zuko bent to gently kiss her. Their lips moved together slowly and Ty Lee clutched the back of his head. The Head Fire Sage harrumphed and flipped his scroll over.
"Shall we make the royal announcement?" he asked. Zuko lifted his head, beaming.
"Yes. Please do," he said grandly. The Head Fire Sage nodded. Ying and Ty Lee hugged.
"Almost over," Ying admitted. Ty Lee nodded, beaming.
"We did it," she said happily. Zuko wrapped his arms around the two women and squeezed. The three giggled in the stone corridor together.
The trip back to the royal apartments was full of laughter. Enclosed back in his chambers, Zuko clasped Ty Lee's face and kissed her again and again. Ty Lee's heart surged. She wished Azula could have known and she wondered if she would be as this happy about her pregnancy. But the bright joy in Zuko's eyes lifted her spirits.
"Okay, you two, calm down!" Ying laughed. Zuko sat Ty Lee on one of his sofas, clasping her hand.
"The news is finally coming out. It will make everything so much easier. And I'm going to be a dad," Zuko beamed. Ty Lee smiled at him kindly.
"Don't let my parents ask for more money," Ty Lee warned. Zuko gave a short laugh. He kissed the back of her hands gently.
"Oh, I'm ready to handle them. And the council. I have some reforms that they'll have to accept with this news. Thank you, Ty Lee. Thank you," Zuko bent his brow to her clasped hands. Ty Lee caressed the back of his head.
"We'll make things right. Things will be fine," Ty Lee said. Her heart twinged, at her words. She couldn't be certain what Azula would do, but for the moment, things felt secured.
As Ying giggled, Zuko leaned up to brush his lips against Ty Lee's. She kissed him softly.
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Zuko swept up from his council members, adjusting his tunic. Lord Genma called out well wishes after him but Zuko ignored him. Ursa, Noren, Kiyi and Ty Lee waited on the high balcony of the royal palace for him. Ursa had gotten the news before the public and she was holding Ty Lee's hand, smiling. Ty Lee gave Zuko a nervous smile.
Zuko bowed and clasped her hand. Suki, Ying and Tsung flanked the royal family on the high balcony, and Lo and Li moved into position on either end of the ledge. A mass of the capital citizens were scattered in the courtyard below, awaiting the announcement. The Head Fire Sage stood at attention beside the mentors, affirming the news with his presence.
Zuko smiled regally as the twins began their announcement. "Citizens of the capital! Our Firelord Zuko has only begun his reign a few short years ago, and now will pass on the torch in due time! After making the decision to join with the Lady Ty Lee, a child has been conceived! The next heir to the Fire throne rests in her belly…."
Zuko and Ty Lee raised their eyebrows at each other out of the corner of their eyes. Lo and Li were laying it on thick, but they put up with the broad words. Ursa gently nudged the two. Zuko took Ty Lee's arm and ushered her close to the edge, between the flickering braziers flanking the twins.
"Your future prince or princess has been conceived!" the twins crowed in one voice. Zuko beamed and Ty Lee waved as the crowds swelled in applause. Ty Lee leaned close to whisper into Zuko's ear as the noise crescendoed.
"Is it always like this?" she asked. Zuko smiled at her.
"I'm afraid it is. We'll get through," he said. Ty Lee clutched his arm tightly.
"We will."
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Lord Shun accepted his post for the day from his servants and went through the envelopes at random. Upon discovering the newest announcement from the capital, he blanched. Well, Lord Zuko hadn't been so lax while they were planning. Seeking to cinch his reign through an heir was a bold move, if unexpected. Shun wondered if the concubine he had impregnated was in good health and whether an heir would actually be born and he shuffled the pamphlet with his parcels.
"Well played, Zuko," Shun murmured. Azula stalked into the sitting room and he scrambled to hide the stack of envelopes.
Azula stopped, raising a cool eyebrow to the flustered lord. "Yes?" she asked. Shun stammered and shoved the handful of post under the table.
"There's been news from the capital. It shouldn't affect us, but well….."
Azula waited, tapping one boot. Shun stammered and coughed. He cleared his throat and held out the pamphlet. Azula's eyes scanned the characters and she felt a cold rage burn in her chest.
"So, Zuzu has an heir to be born. Interesting," Azula bit out. Shun smiled nervously, and she stalked quickly from the room.
"Princess Azula?!" he called after her. Azula's rapid trek took her to the courtyard then to his estate gardens. Lost in the tall oak trees, Azula felt her mind go still. She blinked, her vision coming back and saw her hands shaking. Steam was rising from them and Azula let the rage take her.
"Yah!" She screamed, arching her foot in a high kick, smashing it into the nearby tree. Her firebending helped split the tall tree down the middle and a fast fire spread through the patch of trees. Azula strode through the flames, faint tears plucking at the corner of her eyes. She hissed and moved quicker, fists flying. Fire spread around her and she could hear faint shouting.
Azula craned her head rapidly, barely making out Zirin and her Kemurikage venturing through the fire, or putting out the trees.
Zirin's mouth was open but Azula couldn't hear what she was saying. Faintly, she could finally make out her shouted words. "Stop! Stop!"
Azula whirled and aimed her next fist at Zirin. Zirin caught it and the stream of lightning Azula began. They arched, sending the stream of lightning between them. Zirin was finally able to aim it away. It struck the side of the estate and set the roof on fire.
"GET AWAY FROM ME!" Azula screamed in rage. Zirin caught her up at the shoulder; her arm went around Azula's throat, and she wrestled her to the ground. Azula hissed and threw Zirin over her shoulder onto her back.
San and two other Kemurikage darted in and Azula back kicked, knocking them down. Zirin wheezed and pushed up onto her hands.
"Azula, what's wrong? Calm down! Just stop!" she hissed. Azula felt like she'd been punched in the stomach. She panted for air and she had to fall to one knee as her vision went blurry.
Azula wheezed, trying to regain her strength. Her shaky vision made out her hands. Flecks of blood lined the back of her knuckles. Pain began to well in her hands and Azula clasped her shaking fingers into fists.
"Zuzu….he…" she hissed. The Kemurikage slowly circled her, then helped her to her feet. Zirin led the way to Lord Shun's chamber and set the princess into a stuffed chair.
"The announcement from the capital? Yes, I saw it," Zirin said harshly. Azula's shaking hands fell between her knees. "This Ty Lee holds too much sway on your heart, my princess. We've got to make certain that won't be so."
"I don't care a fig about her!" Azula snarled. Zirin waited, gesturing for the other girls to leave. She poured the princess a glass of wine. Azula downed it in two fast sips. Zirin poured again.
"Okay, you don't care about her," Zirin agreed mildly. "But these reactions….. Zuko is going to do whatever Zuko will do. We have to be ready to encounter his plans."
"We're ready. Half his palace guards hate him," Azula bit out. Zirin wondered if that were true for the council and capital citizens after they heard the news. Even if a Fire Lord wasn't as celebrated, the news of an heir tended to make the populace happy. Zirin wondered idly if that was Zuko's intent.
"We have a foothold in," Zirin agreed. "Will you be able to face your brother if his concubine is at his side?"
Azula snarled and threw the glass at Zirin. Zirin dodged. It barely missed her. "Get out!" she hissed. Her vision was going red again.
Zirin watched her slowly and nodded. Upon leaving, she sent two servants in to attend to Azula. Azula hissed and wheezed, startled to hear small sobs echo in her panting breath. When one of the girls made to push her knees apart and get to work, Azula pushed her head away. The other girl took the hint and pulled Azula's tunic off, gently massaging her. Azula leaned her arms between her knees and leaned forward as the girl lavished attention on her back. She let her bangs fall into her eyes as tears streamed down her face.
End for now
End notes: We've seen Azula fall apart before. I figured she loves Ty Lee, it's going to show! Stay strong my lovelies. The balcony announcement was inspired by the scene in Book 3 with Zuko being welcomed back to the capital. Loves me some bravado :P
Most sincerely, pen
11/06/2016