Breakfast was a surprisingly casual, elegant affair. His family was reserved but no more so than any of the other wealthy families she's met. The dining hall wasn't bustling with servants or anyone else. Although the table was huge, the royal family was collected around one end, with the Firelord at the head of the table. Firelord Zuko, Princess Ursa, Iroh, and an unknown old woman, were already seated with a wide expanse of food in front of them. They were quietly talking to each other, only stopping when Asami was escorted in. Asami bowed deeply in greeting.
"Thank you, for allowing me into your home and family, Firelord Zuko."
"You don't have to be so formal, Asami. Please have a seat," he invited her. "We have a special tea brew today, my Uncle's favorite jasmine tea."
Asami was cheered to see the Firelord again. She hoped to get to know him better with her stay. While she noticed Ursa's husband was missing, she figured he was busy. Food was served to her by the sole maid before the young girl slipped out the door again. She definitely didn't have the appetite so she opted to sip from the tea.
The woman Asami couldn't identify spoke, "Well, well, Zuzu, looks like your grandson has a taste for nonbenders too. Too bad she probably can't quite measure up to Mai. Not a drop of royalty in her."
"Azula," Zuko warned.
"I'm playing nice, Zuzu," her quicksilver, amber eyes flicked back to Asami, "Haven't you heard, little girl? Azula was reformed long ago."
A chilling fear settled into Asami's blood at the realization of who this woman is as the old woman leered at her. She was hunched over with skin sagging from her face, leaving only a ghost of her former self in her youthful dark red smirk. Azula is the infamous princess who, after her proclaimed 'reform', returned to the palace and was formally stripped of any royal power. Asami always wondered where they kept her. It's surprising she's still at her family's breast.
Princess Ursa cleared her throat, "It's good to meet you, Asami. I'm sorry we were a little preoccupied yesterday."
Ursa was a calm, sophisticated, and (as some might call) suppressed woman. Asami already greatly admired her. Mustering all her politeness, she insisted, "Oh, it's really alright. I was very tired after my travels." She knew it'd be rude to ask what was happening. It was clearly family business.
Ursa continued to look her up and down, "This is the first time Iroh brought a girl home from his travels. I'm not sure he's ever been so… impulsive."
Iroh's and Asami's eyes met briefly. Iroh wasn't the impulsive one, Asami was. He clearly told his mother a different story. Asami wasn't sure whether she needed to be mad or happy. She'll deal with that later.
"General Iroh has been very kind to me. I am lucky to have met him," she brusquely answered.
The princess seemed to glower at Asami, the age lines appearing as her lips thinned. "I might be harsh to say this, but I always put my son first. You seem like a nice girl but I hope you have taken your reputation into consideration before dating my son. If he is to be the heir to the throne, he will be endlessly criticized for being with the daughter of an Equalist. The people might conspire against him."
Asami felt that like a slap to the face. Ursa did not want her to be with her son. That killed something inside of her. This is the rejection she feared before she came.
Iroh immediately protested, "Mother, that is none of your business. I've already told you it won't come to that. The people will eventually see that she is not her father. Ms. Asami fought on our side. It is extremely rude of you to insult her."
"I say this to protect you. If I had to choose between my son and a stranger, I will always choose you," Ursa emotionlessly explained, "If you choose to ignore my warning that will be your own downfall."
Asami sharply spoke up, temper flaring, "I wouldn't let that happen! Princess Ursa, you have my word that I would do anything in my power to keep your son from harm."
"Is it in your power to change your parentage?" Ursa calmly contested.
Asami stood up, passion lighting her, "I am not my father. If Firelord Zuko can prove himself different from his father, then I can do the same. People aren't blind to love."
The room went dead silent. She quickly scanned their expressions. Zuko watched with quiet contemplation, Azula seemed to be covering laughter, Ursa was stunned speechless, and Iroh bit back a smile. Suddenly aware of what she said, Asami had the decency to blush and sit down.
Asami meekly offered, "The tea is delicious."
Recovering from her shock, something like relief singed Ursa's monotony, "I… made it myself. I am glad you like it. I was not sure what type of person my son chose to risk his life for. I am happy it is you, Asami."
Asami could barely contain her shock. "I won't let you down."
For the rest of the time, everyone relaxed and enjoyed themselves. Occasionally Iroh and Asami would steal heated glances. Asami braced herself. She can't believe she actually let it slip. Iroh obviously wasn't turned off by her words so that was encouraging. Ursa demanded that she join the political meeting today, insisting it would help her reputation. It wasn't until breakfast ended that they could finally talk. Alone in the great hall, she turned to him.
He said, "We should go to a swinger club tonight."
She was taken aback. "That's strangely modern of you, General Iroh. Those were the last words I'd expect out of your mouth," she said, her heart skipping a beat. "I didn't know you dance."
"I'm not that old. Contrary to popular belief, I can loosen up," he promised. "I have to go now. Be ready when I get back from work."
She nodded eagerly. Butterflies scraped her stomach. So maybe he didn't address her declaration of love, but this is great.
A/N: I know technically Zuko's supposed to be retired but whatever. I still want Zuzu in charge 3 sorry but it turns out the badass scene won't come till a bit later.
Btw, who should Ursa's husband be? Ty Lee's son?