A/N: Sorry this took so long to update! After two weeks of not writing, I discovered that writing in school instead of paying attention turns out to be very productive... at least, fic-wise. Heh. Enjoy! :D Oh, and thanks for the reviews so far! I really appreciate them.
Azula looked at Zuko, keeping her gaze steady and her expression emotionless. She was trying to decide if she should attack with biting remarks, or put on a sugary disguise that was sure to please. The former would probably get her life in prison, but that almost appealing compared to the latter. After a quick pause of contemplation, she chose a balance between the two.
"Brother," she said sweetly, her cold eyes betraying her true feelings.
"I believe it's 'Lord Brother' now," Zuko replied, the slightest of smirks twitching on his lips.
"Please," Azula scoffed. "You'll always be little Zuzu to me." Any flickers of warmth that remained on the Fire Lord's face were extinguished. He strode over to the far side of her room, and peered out the tiny window.
"Your physician tells me that you're well enough for a clean bill of health," he said, his raspy voice barely deeper than it was a year ago. "I came here to see if you should receive one or not."
"Me? Why, of course!" Her tone turned from angelic to viciously sarcastic. "My time here has made me more pure than Agni himself." Zuko narrowed his eyes and walked toward her bedside.
"I'm giving you a chance." He softened. "A chance at redemption. Isn't that what you want?"
"I don't trust you. A year ago, I was dead set on taking you down. Do you really think I've changed?"
Zuko sighed. "Uncle taught me a lot about acceptance and second chances. I think that everyone deserves one. Even former sociopaths."
"Former?" Azula raised her eyebrows.
"This isn't a joke," Zuko growled. "You can swallow your pride and take this offer, or you can continue to waste away in this asylum. I don't really care either way- actually, keeping you here would be cheaper. But, I, unlike some, have a conscience."
"I see." Azula stretched out her hand and examined her shortly clipped nails. "And what exactly would this... offer... entail?"
"If you were to accept, you'd be released from here when proper clearance is given. That usually takes a few days, so we'd be looking at the end of this week." He paused, letting Azula take it in. "After that, you would return to the palace. Your quarters have been taken over by Mai, but-"
"Why is she living in my rooms?"
Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose. "I assume Ty Lee told you that Mai and I are to be wed." Azula nodded, her face contorted with annoyance. "Well, since we're not officially married yet, she's the princess consort. Since those rooms are meant for the current princess, and you've been stripped of your title, she's taken over."
"I don't see why you two can't just sleep in the same room. I mean, it's not like you haven't done everything before."
"Azula, you're bending on ice. Snarky remarks aren't going to get you freedom."
"Whatever you say, 'Lord Zuzu'." She waved her hand in a tired gesture. "Continue."
"There's empty rooms set aside, and you can inhabit those. Anyway, you'll be given a trial from one week to a month, depending on your behavior. During that time, you'll be under constant watch, and confined to the palace grounds. When the trial period is over, I'll give you a final evaluation to see if you're worthy enough for restoration."
"Hm. That sounds fair enough." This time, Azula's eyes didn't glint with what she felt inside. The thought of being so close to freedom, but still a prisoner, was infuriating. "How do you know I won't turn on you?"
"I don't. But, you know, second chances. Don't get any ideas, though – if I hear the tiniest whisper, the barest hint of betrayal, I'll have you executed without hesitation."
Azula smirked. "Alright, brother dearest. How long do I have to decide?"
"Before I leave here. Which, considering that I've finished explaining, will be shortly." Azula leaned back against her pillow and folded her hands in her lap. This seemed like a painfully easy decision. Any average human would pick semi-freedom over being locked up in a mental hospital until death. But the thought of being completely powerless under Zuko's control was almost unbearable. She didn't want the Fire Nation citizens to think of her as an incompetent weakling who will forever be second to her 'high and mighty' brother. She wanted to feel the cold rush of power again, see people cowering before her in fear.
"Mother wouldn't like that, of course," she muttered, not quite under her breath.
"Wha- what?" Zuko said, staring at Azula in confusion. "I think your clean bill of health was a lie."
"I suppose my insanity hasn't completely worn off yet," she said wryly. "Really, though, I was just thinking out loud." Looking down, she slowly blinked. If she really wanted to pull a power play, she was much more capable of doing so surrounded by possible allies than on a desolate island. Azula straightened, locking royal golden eyes with Zuko's. "I'll go back. I'll play your little game, jump through your hoops, whatever is needed to get my life back to normal."
Zuko gave a nod, making motions to exit the room. "It's settled, then. I'll speak with your physician to get clearance for moving you off the island, and I figure that I'll see you in a few days." He opened the door, stepping out.
"Wait," Azula said. An air of amusement coated her voice. "Am I invited to your wedding?"
"We'll see."