The Fire Lord's chamber was purpose built for intimidation- to raise an individual towards the image of a god. The Fire Lord was absolute, his word was law, his will was the will of the Fire Nation- the chamber made it clear that there was no questioning the Fire Lord as he was in effect Agni on earth.

As the Fire Princess approached the perpetual wall of rising flame the silhouette of Fire Lord Zuko became more pronounced, noticeably smaller than the Fire Lord's before him and somehow visibly unsure- like he didn't exactly belong.

The princess knelt and stared up at her brother, waiting for him to begin with a half smirk threatening to tear across her face.

"Well go ahead, I know you want to say something." Zuko's tone was resigned, as if he had been worn down over several days from various sources.

"So many things that I find myself at a loss to pick just one. Perhaps I could go and fetch the Fire Lord an extra pillow to increase his stature and while doing so I could choose my response?"

The grin of Fire Lord Zuko's face could almost be seen through the flame, if not then his tone betrayed his humour. "I was afraid that your extended stay in the dungeon may have dulled your fire sister, it's good to see that despair hasn't wrecked you."

Azula's face shifted back in to neutrality, Zuko knew that she had closed herself off and he cursed himself for unintentionally referring to the death of Ozai. "I was informed that my Lord required my presence for some specific purpose."

"Princess Azula you are hereby absolved of any consequences that may result from your actions when acting under the command of Fire Lord Ozai, my will is the will of Agni, so shall it be." Zuko's words flowed with absolute power and clarity, in that moment none could mistake him for anything but a son of Agni.

"I thank the Fire Lord for choosing the path of justice." Azula looked up at her brother expectantly, waiting for him to allow her to leave. As Zuko gave her a slight nod, the princess rose and exited the chamber with her chin tilted high.

-----------------------------------

Azula found herself standing in the private royal gardens, looking across the small pond that had been her mother's favourite place to spend time with her favoured child. The turtle-duck family swam happily around the small stretch of water. The father inexplicably absent yet the rest of the family happily quacking regardless. Azula mused that the turtle-ducks should have migrated south by this time of the year perhaps she was simply imagining their presence.

"You always preferred the tree." Zuko's voice came out of nowhere, tinged with a confused inquisitiveness.

"The tree always seemed to better enjoy my company than the pond." Zuko's confusion was only compounded by this reply, Azula's tone offered no help as to its meaning.

"Your old room has been prepared for you. I'd hoped that you would remain in the palace."

"It would be proper. You haven't moved Uncle close to me I hope, rumours of off-key music nights have spread throughout the nation."

There was a pause. Zuko's tone turned official and grim. "Azula despite everything..." The Princess turned fully to meet her brother's gaze, her brow twinged slightly in confusion. "I'm..." Azula's eyes snapped open widely.

"Don't." Her tone was kept restrained but one could hear the scream behind the word. "Don't you dare say sorry."

Zuko stood there without moving, he understood. But he continued to stand there, as if he needed something else but could not ask for it.

Azula was unsure what it was, but after a moment it dawned on her. Sadness and defeat almost pushed down her brow. "I'm not going to try to kill you brother. I don't want the responsibility and I have lost too many family members already."

With a bow the princess retired to her quarters, Zuko stood staring down at the turtle-ducks for several minutes before taking his leave as well.