Good Graces
"So," Azula steepled her fingers, "my brother thinks to usurp my claim to the throne by ensuring his continued line, hmm?"
"That's right, my mistress," the Dai Li agent said calmly. A little thrill rippled over her skin. Oh, how she loved these stoic, silent Earth Kingdom soldiers. They were all so sexy. Really, could she be blamed for taking a few along with her when she'd left Ba Seng Se?
The Dai Li agent went on. "He's been having some difficulties…um, impregnating the Fire Lady Katara, and it's been suggested he woo her until she, er, acquiesces to his demands. Last night, he tried to serenade her with no success."
She paced, tapping her lips with one long-nailed finger. "Katara's a feisty one, and moody at that. Her emotions are often dictated by her environment and the forces exerted on her. That's the nature of water, you know." She said it as though she were an austere schoolmarm and he an innocent young student taking his lessons. (Actually, it was one of her favorite little bedroom games. Haru in particular hated it.)
"Yes, my mistress."
Azula smiled languorously. "Mmm, call me that again, won't you?"
"Of course, my mistress. I am loyal only to you."
She purred and let out a long sigh. "If only that were true of my little harem…" She glanced over at the empty beds and divans in her quarters. Jet had wandered off, Aang never stayed, Sokka was probably hiding, and Haru had managed to break out of his manacles…again. Oh, well. Hunting them down gave her something to do.
"I would be honored to serve you in any way you deem fit, my mistress," the Dai Li said softly. "Any way."
"Oh, my sweet little Dai Li. If only I could fill my beds with all you nameless, random hunks of men," she lamented. "Alas, I am the princess of the Fire Nation and a principal character! And as such, deserve only the most well-recognized one-offs and favorite male leads."
"Forgive me, mistress. I did not presume to insinuate myself into your good graces."
"Just stand there and look dark and mysterious for me, won't you?" she batted her lashes at him sweetly.
The princess went behind the changing screen (yes, she does, in fact, have some modesty) and donned a flowing dress of pink and gold to soften her harsh looks, then checked herself in the mirror. Okay, so she didn't look motherly, but she didn't look like the menacing bitch she really was, either. Satisfied, she told the agent, "I'm going for a walk, and then I'm going to find Haru. It shouldn't take me long to hunt him down—really, the boy makes it too easy. Continue surveillance of my brother's activities and keep me updated."
"Yes, mistress."
Azula added, "Oh, and when you report back to me next…take your shirt off."
"My life is to serve you, mistress." The Dai Li agent bowed out.