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Dinner with Team Azula – Chapter Eleven
About one hour later in Hari Bulkan…
Elle stood obediently while Ty Lee hovered over her while applying an ointment to her bruised face.
Azula stood with her arms folded over her breasts while her callous eyes never left her handmaid's bruised cheeks.
As curious as it was, she was finding herself scowling at the girl's marred face.
The mere sight of bruises on what belonged to her was all the validation that she needed to feel no remorse for scarring the two brats.
"There! That ought to help reduce the swelling and the pain." Ty Lee declared while frowning down at Elle's smiling face.
She also found that her blood began to boil once more while gazing upon her adopted sister's bruises.
It was such an infuriating sight that she temporarily lost sympathy for the two girls.
"Arigatou oneesan." Elle commented with a sweet smile adorning her lips while all three women gazed back at her.
"Think nothing of it, Elle. You're with us now. Isn't that right Azula?" Ty Lee spoke softly while ruffling the giggling girl's hair.
They stood in the street with the princess leaning against the rail of a bridge while her stern eyes continued to peer back at the laughing teenager.
"I would think that my position on the matter should be obvious by now." Azula remarked while staring back at her young admirer's bright countenance.
"I don't ever want to leave you…any of you." Elle announced to the surprise of Team Azula while they glanced back at her with taken aback eyes.
"You won't ever have to! You've won over Mai and even Azula herself! You're here to stay." Ty Lee replied while straightening with her hands-on Elle's shoulders.
"Shorty isn't too bad. I've been around more boring people than her." Mai stated with a slight break from her monotone voice.
"I am glad you think so oneesan." Elle chirped while holding her bag of comics to her chest with pure happiness in her eyes.
Mai just gazed at her nodding quietly before looking away to peer across the riverfront.
"With that settled. We can proceed to the night's main events." Azula purred with her hand curled up underneath her chin while her gaze drifted over all three of her subordinates.
The simple fact that Elle was automatically included in her mental calculations proved just how vital she had come to consider her handmaid to be.
Even with no combat ability or otherwise wartime use, the girl was already invaluable to her.
"Azula-sama is our matriarch!" Elle cheered while pumping her fist above her head while her words caused the gloomy noblewoman to groan.
And Ty Lee to giggle while Azula continued to peer at the small blonde with a satisfied smirk on her lovely lips.
Then without further delay the princess pushed her backside off the railing while her hands fell down to her sides.
All the while a familiar inferno began to light up within her amber golden eyes.
Each and every member of Team Azula, young Elle included knew what was coming.
"That too…is undeniable. Now then…let us dominate this night into a submission so great that we will leave an unshakable imprint upon this world! We will reign over this night for all time!" Azula declared while clenching her now burning fists with a violent smile gracing her lips.
An uncomfortable silence was what followed while both noblewomen gazed back at their war-obsessed leader.
Azure flames lit the darkening bridge just as the sound of cheerful clapping was heard by all three of the women.
They turned their gazes to Elle to see her beaming up at Azula with adoration alit in her amber eyes.
"You go Azula-sama! You dominate this night!" Elle shouted with excitement in her innocent voice while Azula peered down at her with a smug smirk upon her visage.
"Congratulations Azula. You have your own personal cheerleader now." Mai sighed while running her hand through her hair.
"Hm. So I do. Come with me Elle! And I will show you how a true conqueror lays siege to the night scene!" Azula shouted as she towered over her enthusiastic servant while holding up her right fist before her face.
"Oh Azula-sama…I could listen to you talk about domination for the entire evening…" Elle trailed off while swooning adorably before sighing dreamily.
Azula grinned upon hearing her pet's submissive declaration before placing a non-burning palm upon her small shoulder.
"Then consider your heart's desire granted." Azula responded while exhaling a small puff of fire as she gazed down at her favored handmaid.
Elle continued to blush as if she was but a school girl in the presence of her first crush.
Unbeknownst to even Azula, that was indeed the case.
Not too long after that the foursome was striding into the highest end restaurant in all of the Capital with Elle trailing alongside Azula.
The princess's entrance caused the wait staff to spin around to face her all the while scurrying to ensure that she was greeted properly.
"Princess! How may we serve you on this night?" The host inquired while he bowed low on the floor before the princess's stern gaze.
"A private dining room for four." Azula demanded while she stared down at the rapidly bowing man.
The establishment had private rooms only for the highest class of nobility and of course, royalty.
Elle was well aware of this fact.
It was a true honor to have a place amongst the princess's team.
"Yes! Right this way Your Highness!" The man called out before rushing away with the regal woman and her crew following after him.
All was going well, no one had yet to anger Azula.
And then it all changed in but an instant.
They were making their way through the extravagant bar where patrons sat chatting and drinking, enjoying living the high life.
While making their way through the party crowd people moved aside to grant the princess a wide berth.
That was when a young boy 'inadvertently' bumped into Elle causing her to stumble to find herself face to face with a dark-haired boy around her age.
"Oh, hey there little lady. How's your night?" Shin blurted out awkwardly while smiling down at the petite girl gazing up at him with uncertain amber eyes.
"Um…good…now if you'll excuse me…" Elle trailed off politely with her words instantly causing the princess and her friends to halt.
"Aw now don't be like that at least tell me your name. Mine is Shin." Shin insisted with his words causing Azula to turn with her callous eyes narrowing in on the two.
"Azula…please don't kill the poor boy." Ty Lee pleaded while watching as her leader swiftly moved to intercept the boy when he placed his hand on the nervous girl's shoulder.
"I pity that kid." Mai stated dryly while cringing as Azula swiftly approached them.
"I-I am Elle. I must go now. I need to rejoin my group…" Elle answered only to jump when the boy slid his hand onto her shoulder.
"Elle? That's a pretty name." Shin stated just as an imposing figure stepped up behind him while Elle's eyes flickered upward in relief to see the princess looming over them.
"This little lady is not for you to touch. Now remove your hand unless you wish to lose it." Azula announced from behind the now paling Shin as the young boy shakily turned to peer up at her.
"Azula-sama!" Elle exclaimed with glee just as she smiled when Azula possessively pushed her behind her.
"N-no offense was meant Princess. I-I was just letting Elle know how pretty she is." Shin responded while the woman glared down at him with terrifying icy eyes.
"Azula's aura is most definitely not pink." Ty Lee commented while she approached Azula before she murdered the boy.
"I am certain that Elle didn't need you to tell her that. She is well aware." Azula snapped with her eyes narrowing into slits while young girl latched onto her sleeve.
"I-I'll just turn…around and w-walk that way." Shin stammered while Elle beamed up at Azula with a blush adorning her fair cheeks.
"Oh, that's my princess in shining armor…she's so authoritative!" Elle gushed while swooning with a joyous smile on her lips as she held onto the taller princess's arm.
The poor Fire Nation boy continued to tremble under the imposing death stare that Azula was leveling him with as he began to back away in fright.
"You do that. And don't ever touch what belongs to me again or I will defeat you for all time. Never again to rise above the ashes of your shame and humiliation." Azula called out with a scowl while Elle held onto her sleeve.
Mai glanced around wincing when Azula's words rang out over the entire restaurant while she observed in amusement as the boy ran away as fast as his legs could carry him.
"Y-yes P-Princess!" Shin hollered as he vanished through the crowds and then ran out the doors of the establishment to escape her wrath.
The princess's behavior caused everyone to stop and glance at her shivering all the while.
As she stood gazing on coldly with the young girl standing behind her holding onto her sleeve.
"Don't mind us!" Ty Lee yelled while smiling nervously as she waved at all of the gawking people.
"She's here to dominate this night scene into submission!" Elle cheered with her little eyes peering up at Azula while a smile began to work its way back onto her lips.
Silence reigned in the restaurant apart from a few coughs before Azula spun around with Elle in hand.
"Ah. That I am. Now let's go eat dinner." Azula purred while glancing down at her adorable pet before she began to walk once more with the girl following alongside her.
"T-this is my mistress. I belong to Princess Azula." Elle chirped while the older girl smiled in approval as she was guided through the terrified crowds.
"You really don't have to call Azula mistress little sister." Ty Lee sighed while gazing down at the girl's bright smile which she found rather infectious.
Even Azula seemed to…in her own way of course.
"But oneesan…she is my mistress." Elle stated happily with cheer lacing her voice while Azula gazed down at her with approving amber golden eyes.
"What a good girl." Azula cooed in a silken voice as she led her pet upstairs with the girl gazing up at her in a completely spellbound manner.
"Ooh my princess…I live to satisfy you!" Elle squealed as the two noblewomen gazed on humorously while her princess led her through curtains into their private dining area.
The dining area was a luxurious traditional Fire Nation low table with many lavish cushions that was large enough to seat eight people.
Upon the table sat four menus.
Elle could only gaze at the seating arrangement in amazement while her eyes silently marveled over how expensive even the seating was.
"I've got to say Azula…you have a bizarre idea of dating." Mai spoke dully while the woman just gazed at her waving off her words.
"I have no idea what you mean Mai." Azula scoffed with the young girl still standing faithfully behind her.
"C-can I sit by you Azula-sama? Please Your Highness?" Elle whined while peering up at Azula with pleading amber eyes that had the princess smirking down at her with her lips curling upward.
"Aww! That's so cute Azula!" Ty Lee exclaimed while Mai simply strode for the seating area.
"Hm. I don't know…what if Mai or Ty Lee wish to sit beside me? A princess is popular after all." Azula boasted with her hands on her shapely hips while gazing down at her adorably distraught servant with a smug smirk.
"P-please Azula-sama." Elle stuttered with her eyes never leaving her princess's smiling face.
"Please. I would prefer to sit over here." Mai snorted with her words incurring a brief glare from the woman in question as she seated herself.
"It wouldn't be pink to separate you two." Ty Lee stated while sitting down with a wide smile about her beside the other woman.
"Oh, very well. I suppose I could allow it. But no and I repeat. No hugging. I wish to eat my meal without you latching onto my stomach the entire time." Azula announced while sighing as she brushed her hair from her eyes in an effortlessly alluring manner.
"Yay! I get to sit by Her Highness! I am the luckiest girl in the world!" Elle shouted childishly with her words earning her two smiling gazes and one puzzled glance from Mai.
"Mhm. You truly are fortunate. Now…come." Azula ordered while snapping her fingers with her lips forming a haughty smile while the girl scrambled after her.
"Yes Azula-sama." Elle answered while her mistress gracefully seated herself on a cushion before the table while she happily sat down beside her.
The handmaid set her treasured backpack off to the side along with her newly acquired shopping bags.
"I have to ask. What's in that backpack besides a jewelry box of your mother's?" Mai pondered with slight curiosity while the other two women tilted their heads curiously.
"Oh! Many things! Several items of personal value to me from my homeland. Along with my Azula-sama diary. So, I can write poetry about the princess wherever I go. And-" Elle explained lovingly before Mai leaned over to gently place a hand on her mouth.
"I get the point Elle. Azula. Azula. Azula." Mai grunted while Azula sat glancing down at Elle through the corner of her eye clearly savoring the girl's worshipful behavior.
"She's so sweet Azula. Just adorable." Ty Lee stated while smiling from Elle's innocent face to Azula's stony countenance.
"I suppose the girl has a certain level of charm to her." Azula replied while staring down at her servant's blushing face before turning her head when their waitress stepped through the curtains into their dining area.
"Greetings Your Highness, it is an honor to serve you this evening. My name is Tao, how may I please you and your companions tonight?" Tao announced as she lowered down into a bow on all fours on the floor before the seated princess.
Ty Lee met Azula's eyes briefly silently pleading the princess to take her advice and not terrify the poor girl.
Azula sighed before musing that there was no harm in humoring Ty Lee.
"A bottle of red wine would be a good start." Azula spoke with her eyes gazing down at the menu while flickering over to her young admirer's face buried deep in her menu.
"Understood. Would we like any appetizers or anything else to start or do you need more time?" Tao pondered as she glanced around at the four girls reading the menu.
"Fire spiced tea please." Ty Lee chimed as she smiled at the waitress while she sat up into a kneel as she began to write down their order.
"Fire beer." Mai stated plainly as the waitress wrote it down before turning to the youngest amongst them.
"Um…" Elle trailed off in confusion while Azula gazed down at her sighing before she leaned over to assist her.
It was a subtle but noticeable act that the princess had never done for anyone else.
"Do you need me to lend you my genius once more?" Azula purred while bending over Elle with a faint yet seductive aura about her that took the others aback.
"I-I do. See…I am uh…vegetarian." Elle confessed while the princess gazed down at her rolling her lovely eyes upon hearing her declaration.
The statement earned her a curious glance from Ty Lee and Mai didn't even bother to look up from the menu.
"…A pacifist and a vegetarian?" Azula snorted with clear amusement dripping from her regal voice while the smaller girl nodded in a bashful manner.
"That's so…" Elle murmured in a self-conscience voice clearly fearing mockery from her idol.
"Why am I not surprised? I had suspected the possibility…given that I had yet to see you eat meat. Hm. Very well. So, you wish for my assistance navigating the menu?" Azula cooed with yet another charming purr while planting her elbow on Elle's head of soft hair.
Her friends gazed at her for a moment somewhat confused by her seeming attempt to seduce the girl even further under her charms.
All the while the waitress kneeled unmoving on the floor ever patient waiting for the princess to complete the order.
"Yes Azula-sama. I seek your aid…may I have watermelon juice?" Elle requested while chewing on her lip as she peered overhead at the regal woman's stoic face.
"Watermelon juice for my young companion. Hm. Perhaps an order of dumplings on the side. Everyone here likes dumplings, right?" Azula remarked in a smooth voice while glancing between her childhood friends.
"I do!" Ty Lee exclaimed with a nod while turning to the woman beside her.
"I hate dumplings." Mai stated while staring back at the princess with bored eyes.
"Right. An order of dumplings…make certain to cook a portion without meat for this one." Azula explained as she waved her hand to her handmaid while the girl's smile grew by tenfold.
"As you command Princess. It will be done." Tao agreed while she wrote down the order with her eyes always remaining peeled to receive the next command.
The other two gazed over at their younger companion with surprise in their eyes after witnessing what was once considered impossible.
Azula just demonstrated consideration for another human being!
If anyone else, had been at this table with the princess she would have never modified the order to factor in their dietary preference.
Not because it would increase the bill.
No, simply because Azula was selfish in all respects.
She would have left it as was, just to throw salt in the metaphorical wound.
"Arigatou gozaimasu Azula-sama." Elle piped up from beneath the princess's elbow while meeting the divine woman's icy eyes.
"Hm. I suppose you also seek my wisdom in the selection of your meal of choice?" Azula continued with her lips curving into a confident smile.
"I'll have the sea soup." Mai commented while gazing at the waitress as she wrote down the order.
"I…can't read the menu Azula-sama. Will you choose for me?" Elle admitted in a timid voice while peering up at the princess's pleased countenance.
"You wish for me to dictate even your meal of choice? I shall do so with pleasure. She'll have an order of fire spiced vegetable curry. As for myself. I shall have the same." Azula spoke while gazing down into Elle's adorable eyes with her crimson lips placing the girl in a spellbound trace.
The princess's decree earned her an inquisitive glance from her two-childhood friends but they once more made no comment.
"I bet it's delicious! I submit to Her Highness's meal of choice!" Elle cheered while leaning back against the cushion with her mistress leaning upon her head.
"I'll have hotcakes!" Ty Lee cried out with her choice earning her glances from all but Elle.
"For dinner? Hotcakes for dinner?" Mai snorted while Ty Lee peered at her blinking in confusion.
"What's wrong with hotcakes for dinner?" Ty Lee questioned only to receive a predictable monotone stare from her friend.
"That will be all, for now. Try not to take too long…I have worked up quite an appetite." Azula concluded in a spoiled voice as the waitress kowtowed to her once more.
"Your will shall be done Your Highness. I will bring you your appetizers and drinks right away, and your meal soon afterward." Tao responded as she arose with a bow of her head before she rushed towards the curtains.
Before she could leave the princess called out to her once more.
"And I had best not find anything…suspect in my food. I trust I don't have to elaborate on what will occur if I do." Azula stated with an edge to her voice that sent shivers down the spines of all present.
Ty Lee turned away as she sighed already beginning to regret that part of their earlier conversation.
Knowing Azula.
She'll never let that go.
"I-I am not certain what you imply Your Highness but I will deliver your message to the cooks." Tao answered with sweat dripping down her brow while she gave the princess a final bow.
"Splendid." Azula commented while reclining as she watched the woman flee through the curtains.
"What was that all about?" Mai asked with faint curiosity to her voice while Azula began to scowl as she turned to glare at Ty Lee who was now smiling nervously
"Earlier today, Ty Lee saw fit to inform me that workers may be brazen enough to put bodily fluids in my food." Azula responded in a glacial voice while Ty Lee sank back in her seat already paling in fear.
"Why would you ever tell that to Azula?" Mai pondered while turning to the other woman as she scratched her cheek warily.
"It's…kind of complicated." Ty Lee replied while she flinched under the princess's icy gaze.
"You don't need to worry about that Azula-sama! Your loyal servant already serves as your eyes and ears in the palace kitchens. I have already taken it upon myself to supervise the other servants. If I see anything. I will let you know." Elle announced as she puffed out her chest in pride with princess's amber golden eyes peering down at her in slight surprise.
Both noblewomen almost shivered over the innocent girl's offer to be Azula's eyes and ears.
Now Azula will be watching the servants even when she wasn't present.
"I don't recall giving you any such order. And yet you are my eyes and ears?" Azula answered as she peered down at her pet with her crimson lips curving back into a gratified smile.
"O-of course! I started doing so the moment I stepped foot into the palace when I noticed that the others don't labor with love like I do." Elle explained with cheer in her voice that had Azula gazing ahead with a pleased smirk.
"Is that so? They don't labor with love?" Azula purred in a silken voice while her two-childhood friends gazed at each other nervously.
"Mm-mm. But I do." Elle proclaimed while as she held a fist above her head while peering up at the princess with childish amber eyes.
Without even speaking the princess set her palm atop her pet's head while her friends gazed at her oddly when she began to pet the girl like a kitten.
"Hm. Such a good girl. You truly are a marvelous servant. You go above and beyond for your mistress…this pleases me greatly Elle." Azula informed in a domineering voice while gazing down into the girl's love-struck amber eyes.
"I-I strive to make you smile Azula-sama. When my princess smiles, I know that it was worth it." Elle admitted with a slight stutter while Azula continued to pat her head.
"If you see anything that contradicts my will…no matter how mundane. Report it to me and I will reward you for your good behavior." Azula commanded with a voice so strict that it sent shivers down Elle's spine.
But it was not an unpleasant shiver…no it was a pleasurable sensation.
"Yes Princess!" Elle cheered with her princess staring down at her with a graceful smile upon her visage.
"Azula, please don't take advantage of Elle's innocence." Ty Lee spoke with a trace of worry in her eyes while Azula stared at her in a questioning manner.
"Take advantage? I have done no such thing. She is my most reliable servant…therefore it is only natural for me to entrust her with tasks that I would not give to others." Azula stated while meeting Ty Lee's concerned face.
"I know. But if you order Elle to start spying on everyone in the palace…sooner or later she is going to hear something that she shouldn't have…" Ty Lee trailed off with the princess gazing down at the beaming girl with callous amber golden eyes.
"Relax Ty Lee. I won't endanger her life." Azula assured while patting the joyful girl's head once more before returning to using her as an arm rest.
"Oh. Look our drinks are here!" Ty Lee exclaimed as she turned when the waitress wheeled a cart in with both the drinks and the steaming dumplings.
The bottle of wine was set down carefully before the princess along with four cups.
Followed up by Elle's freshly squeezed watermelon juice.
And then Mai's fire ale.
And after that Ty Lee's tea.
The dumpling was set down with Elle's vegetarian portion being deposited before the handmaid who was gazing down at it with excited amber eyes.
"If there is anything else Your Highness let me know. Your meals will arrive shortly." Tao stated as she gave the princess a deep bow while Azula nodded stonily before she waved her off.
And then she walked out through the curtains.
And with that the four began to focus on their drinks and their dumplings.
"Pour me a cup of wine Elle." Azula ordered as she ignored Ty Lee's disappointed stare while the young girl began to skillfully pour her wine.
"Yes Azula-sama. Always as you say." Elle agreed dutifully while her mistress smiled down at her with approving eyes.
"I thought she was here to have fun Azula." Ty Lee muttered while the princess held up her cup of wine.
"Don't be so dramatic Ty Lee. All she did was pour me wine. You may serve yourself a cup if you wish." Azula commented while regally sipping her wine while gazing down at her admirably lovely handmaid's bashful face.
"Has she even ever drunk alcohol before?" Mai inquired pointedly while the other two women turned to Elle suddenly curious.
"I don't know. Have you?" Azula asked inquisitively while peering down at the girl's nervous facial expression.
"N-no." Elle answered while gazing up at the princess's stony face once more fearing she'd be mocked for her inexperience.
The girl's announcement was yet another reminder of the age difference between Azula and Elle.
It was all the more proof of the girl's innocence.
"Hm. Are you interested in trying it?" Azula asked in a charismatic voice while staring down at Elle with intrigued eyes.
She now understood that she was most surely drawn to Elle's purity.
It was like the yin to her yang.
"Careful Azula. She will get really sick if she drinks too much." Ty Lee spoke while the regal woman rolled her eyes.
"I think between the three of us we are more than capable of watching over one young girl." Azula retorted while Elle gazed at the bottle before peering up at her.
"I-I would like to try a little. Will you guide me once more?" Elle requested timidly with her eyes meeting the princess's alluring gaze.
"Of course. I think it's adorable when you request me to dominate your every decision. We'll start off small…how does that sound?" Azula purred as she clutched the bottle before she began to pour her young admirer a tiny cup.
"It sounds great! You know best Azula-sama! You're so wise." Elle chimed while smiling with reddened cheeks as she watched the wine spill into her cup.
"I know. Sometimes even I am amazed with my brilliance…it isn't easy being flawless. But…it is a burden that I must bear." Azula sighed as she set the bottle down while glancing down at her pet with a smirk adorning her lips.
"Ugh. You're going to do this all night aren't you?" Mai inquired while staring at her smug leader with mild annoyance in her stare.
"Naturally." Azula answered while taking a drink of her wine with her eyes focusing on her timid handmaid when the girl nervously grasped her cup.
"So, Elle…how old are you?" Ty Lee pondered with an easy going smile while Elle sunk in her seat with a lovable blush spreading across her face.
"Oh, I have got to hear this. I am dying to know just how far Azula is reaching into the cradle." Mai commented while the princess glared at her through the corner of her eye.
Mai's words caused the girl to flush terribly while gulping under the weight of their combined stares.
"Just ignore Mai." Azula snapped in an icy voice while leaning atop Elle's little head while Mai's lips curled into a slight smirk.
"Yeah! You can tell us little sister. We won't make fun of you! Will we Azula?" Ty Lee assured in a gentle voice while staring at the princess silently begging her to go easy on the girl.
"Um…" Elle mumbled as she peered into her wine while the regal woman's elbow shifted marginally.
"Go on. It's not like I am going to cannibalize you." Azula sighed while glancing down at her pet's while the girl chewed her lip in the manner, she has come to find herself fond of.
"T-thirteen." Elle stuttered out adorably while turning away from their stunned faces.
The sound of Ty Lee choking on her tea resonated around the table whilst Mai stared back at Elle with a truly uncharacteristic shock in her tawny eyes.
And Azula's expression was the most humorous of all.
The princess was gazing down at her servant with widened amber golden eyes so taken aback that she had paused with a mouthful of wine.
It was just stunning!
That young and she was writing her such flawless tributes!
Which was to say nothing of her magnificent painting ability.
"W-wow." Ty Lee blurted with pink spreading across her cheeks as she audibly gulped down her tea.
"A-almost fourteen! My birthday is only three months away!" Elle explained hurriedly while peering up at the princess while the woman regained her composure.
It amused all of Team Azula how the girl had felt the need to inform Azula that she was on the verge of turning fourteen.
"Seriously Azula." Mai muttered with a rare judgement to her voice while she frowned at the shameless woman seated over the innocent girl.
A flash of rage began to shimmer in Azula's eyes while she rapidly swallowed her wine with her crimson lips forming a tight thin line.
"N-now that's not really fair Mai. I mean…Elle looks like she might be…maybe…uh sixteen?" Ty Lee spoke lamely while the princess spun around to glare at her with furious eyes.
"How dare you Mai speak as if I've sullied her." Azula snapped with her fist grasping her cup so tightly that it was a wonder that it didn't burst.
Ty Lee glanced at Elle worriedly while the girl shamefully sunk even further in her seat with her shoulders slumping as the tension began to rise.
"No. But you were checking her ass out earlier. Don't think I didn't catch that. You've also done a damn good job of turning a sweet girl into your personal pet. I wouldn't be surprised if the next time we see her she's wearing a collar." Mai answered with a trace of accusation lining her voice while meeting her leader's burning amber golden eyes.
"The girl would have died on the streets if not for me. I suggest you worry about your own relationship Mai…or rather lack thereof." Azula replied with a truly glacial undertone while still resting her elbow upon her young admirer's head.
Though she won't deny that the girl was a good two years younger than she had guessed.
Ty Lee had been right about one thing…age was just a number.
When she was fourteen, she conquered Ba Sing Se!
Elle was undoubtedly a stunning young beauty…and she would only flourish as the next year or two years pass her by.
The girl worshiped her in a manner that even she couldn't help but find endearing.
As Ty Lee stated earlier…it would be foolish to pass up such a lovely admirer.
Especially after having such poor luck with boys.
She would never admit it out loud.
She has yet to find a single successful date.
'It's ironic. Boys my own age are too intimidated to ask me out…but this young girl had the courage to give me a fire lily…' Azula thought while setting her wine cup down as she began to cut into her dumplings.
Just when Mai's own eyes narrowed in defiance over the sling at her failed relationship that was when Ty Lee noted Elle gazing down at her feet in humiliation.
"S-sumimasen." Elle mumbled in a shaky voice just as the sound of a fist hitting the table caused Azula to turn to Ty Lee.
"Stop it! You're hurting her feelings! We didn't bring her out to make her feel like an outcast! She's here to have a good time with her princess not to be the subject of scorn!" Ty Lee shouted furiously with a rare scowl on her face while the other two women gazed at her in surprise.
Ty Lee's anger prompted Mai to feel a shred of guilt after she noticed the small blonde's vanishing cheer.
And even though Azula would never admit it aloud.
Somewhere deep inside of her she felt a twinge of emotion too.
"I apologize Elle. It wasn't my intention to make you sad." Mai commented while gazing at the young girl's downcast face.
"It's okay oneesan." Elle answered in a still muted voice while the princess peered down at her also frowning.
"You should apologize Mai. I already stated that the girl is one of us. Tonight, we are welcoming Elle into the fold. Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen. We all went to war at that age. When you look at it like that…what does it matter? What is the harm in sharing a cup of wine with her princess?" Azula remarked while reaching down to place her guiding hand on Elle's shoulder.
As soon as the princess touched her shoulder Elle peered up at her with gratefulness shimmering forth from her gaze.
Mai sighed while sinking back in her seat before nodding in defeat.
It really was a waste of breath to discuss it any further.
She could see that Azula's interest in the girl would not vanish anytime soon and nor would Elle's hero worship of the princess.
"A-arigatou gozaimasu Azula-sama." Elle spoke with slowly returning cheer while Azula swallowed a bite of her dumplings.
"Azula has a point…I mean…I don't see any harm in it. For the most part anyhow. I think it's cute! It's like Azula's her first love! It's very pink!" Ty Lee commented with a brightening smile while gazing at Elle's young blushing face.
The concept of Azula being a young girl's first love was utterly baffling yet it seemed as if it was indeed the case.
"Why don't you share your first drink with your princess?" Azula purred in a return to her calm yet silken voice while gazing down at her adorable admirer.
"Y-yes Azula-sama. As you say…always as my princess charming says." Elle answered while clutching her cup at the same moment that her mistress raised hers.
"Yeah. It's pink." Mai stated in deadpan while raising her own cup in an effort to cheer the girl up.
"Cheers! To our new comrade!" Ty Lee exclaimed while holding up a cup of wine of her own.
"Indeed Elle. Perhaps you will be the one to stand beside me as I dominate this world!" Azula announced with her lips curling into a proud smile while gazing down at the now swooning Elle.
Both Mai and Ty Lee fell into an awkward silence while taking a drink of their respective beverages.
In the same moment Azula took a long swig of her wine all the while peering down at her young companion.
A stroke of courage had overtaken Elle as she bravely tipped her cup back while swallowing her first ever taste of wine.
The three women observed comically as the petite girl's cheeks turned a shade of pink while she flicked her tongue about as if still processing the taste.
"…I-it tastes weird…Azula-sama." Elle stated while hiccupping much to the princess's amusement as she stared down chuckling.
"You'll get used to it." Azula assured while patting the girl's head once more while the young girl giggled with a twinge to her cheeks.
"I hope that I get to be the one that stands beside you Azula-sama." Elle confided in a love-struck voice while staring up at her idol with adulation in her gaze.
"Aww! That is so sweet Azula! Sharing a first drink with your biggest fan." Ty Lee cooed out with a grin on her lips.
Though Azula had a most strange idea of dating…to say the least.
There was no mistaking that the princess had become fond of Elle.
She could see it in the way Azula acted protective of Elle several times now.
Azula would have never acted this way with anyone else!
"What say you servant? Are you my biggest fan?" Azula questioned with a pleased smirk about her as she reclined with her hand resting in the girl's plush blonde hair.
"Humph! There's no one that could ever match my love for you Azula-sama!" Elle boasted while puffing out her chest while Azula peered down at her with entertained eyes.
"So, Elle…is Azula your first love?" Ty Lee inquired while leaning forward as she gazed at the girl's adorably proud face.
"I-it is so." The blond-haired girl stammered much to the princess's pleasure as she peered down at her deciding that she liked that answer.
"That is just too cute. Azula, you're her princess charming from another land, it's like a beautiful fairy tale. Love at first sight…" Ty Lee sighed wistfully while Azula rolled her elegant eyes over her friends' mushy words.
"Sure Ty Lee. It's a fairy tale. And I am going to crush the Avatar and conquer the entire world!" Azula called out with a fist clenched while smiling violently.
The two noblewomen stared on comically over their over their leader's megalomania but amusingly enough the more dominant Azula became the more Elle swooned over her.
"Oh Azula-sama…I love the way you talk…it gets me excited." Elle gushed while holding a hand to her cheek while Azula sat above her with her elbow in her hair.
"See? She may be young but I feel as if we are a good fit for each other. The girl even admitted several times that she enjoys my dominance." Azula declared with her lips curved into a smug smirk while her friends gazed at Elle trying not to shiver.
"You like it when Azula orders you around?" Mai asked in a dull voice while Elle's cheek lit up as if Azula were her dream come true.
"I don't like it…I love it. Azula-sama makes my heart skip so wonderfully…she's so authoritative. Oh, I want to serve her forevermore!" Elle cried out as she blushed as red as a tomato while the princess stared down at her vastly pleased by her confession.
"Well…I hope it makes you happy little sister. If…control is what you want…there's no one who will boss you around more than Azula." Ty Lee stated while smiling nervously at her friend's growing smile.
"Let's hope you don't regret it when you're older. By then it will be too late to run away." Mai commented with her words causing Ty Lee to gaze on humorously.
"I would never run away. The more authoritative Azula-sama is the more my heart races…" Elle trailed off with an innocent smile never considering the affect her words had on Azula.
The two noblewomen knew what was coming just by the burning inferno in Azula's domineering eyes.
This had to be the first time that they met someone that enjoyed being ordered around by Azula.
"Pour me more wine! Now!" Azula barked while she snapped her fingers in a spoiled manner as she observed the girl speedily lean forward on command.
"Yes! Right away Azula-sama!" Elle exclaimed with a comically rushed demeanor while swiftly pouring wine into the woman's cup.
Azula gazed back at her two taken aback friends with a refined smile on her lips as she sat with her hand holding out her cup.
All the while Elle dutifully poured her a new cup of wine with the hints of a blush on her cheeks.
"Wow…she actually enjoys it…" Ty Lee stated in amazement while taking in the princess's victorious countenance.
"Good girl. I think we'll make a perfect fit for each other." Azula purred while raising her cup back to her mouth before resting on the girl's head once more.
"You make me happy Azula-sama…I hope I get to stay with you." Elle murmured as she began to eat her dumplings while peering bashfully up at the regal woman.
"Aww…" Ty Lee trailed off while observing the stoic princess glance down at their young companion with a faint fondness in her eyes.
"You are a peculiar girl…but to my liking all the same. Relax. I intend on keeping you…" Azula declared while chewing her food once more before swallowing it gracefully.
The small blonde broke out into an innocent smile after hearing those words as she gazed up at her new caretaker with adoring eyes.
Then she surprised Azula by reaching out to embrace her side with a peaceful demeanor in her amber eyes.
"I…don't know how I got here…but I am so glad that I did…" Elle spoke sweetly with a radiant countenance that never lessened even when the princess stiffened while biting into her meal.
Elle's announcement touched each of the three women in some respect.
Even Azula herself.
"While I am pleased that you find my company so appealing…I would prefer if you did not push on my stomach while I am eating." Azula responded in a strict voice while gulping down another mouthful.
"O-oh. Sumimasen." Elle stuttered out as she slid away with her a blush still upon her youthful face.
"Eat your dumplings before it gets cold." Azula commanded with her gaze flickering down to her admirer's lovely face.
"Yes Azula-sama." Elle agreed while quietly returning to her meal.
"I for one am glad that Elle is here. I always wanted a little sister." Ty Lee sighed happily while the other two women gazed at her oddly.
And Elle glanced up from her bowl with a widening smile.
"You have six sisters." Azula reminded once more while Ty Lee still smiled at their young companion.
"Six sisters? Wow!" Elle exclaimed while Ty Lee nodded grinning all the while.
"All twins! You're special because we aren't part of a matched set." Ty Lee explained while the young girl nodded with amazement in her eyes.
"Six twins…do you have any siblings oneesan Mai?" Elle asked curiously while Mai nodded calmly.
"One little brother. Tom-Tom." Mai answered while gazing at Elle's inquisitive face.
"What about you Azula-sama?" Elle questioned while staring up at Azula with boundless reverence in her eyes.
"Just Zuzu." Azula spoke while swallowing more of her dumplings while turning to gaze down at her pet's adorably puzzled face.
"What's a Zuzu? It sounds like a bitter vegetable." Elle muttered with her nose scrunched up in curiosity while the princess began to chuckle in amusement.
The two noblewomen mused that it was good Zuko wasn't around to hear of such an undignified comparison.
"That's a good way to describe Zuko. I just call him Zuzu." Azula stated while taking another drink of her wine.
"Oh! I had heard of the name Zuko here and there but not a Zuzu. I understand now." Elle chirped to the three women's comical entertainment.
"Just you wait Elle. We're going to have so much fun together." Ty Lee spoke while smiling at the timid girl's lovable face.
All the while Azula glared at Ty Lee from the corner of her eye.
"I can't wait oneesan!" Elle exclaimed while taking another bold drink of her wine.
The affect hit her more than the first time while Team Azula observed closely as a flush shot down her cheeks.
"Neither can I! I am going to bring you over for snuggle nights at my house! We'll have a sleep over!" Ty Lee announced with her words causing the gloomy noblewoman to turn to her in deadpan.
"Snuggle nights Ty Lee?" Mai asked in her typical monotone voice.
"I already told you that there will be no…" Azula stated sternly only to peer down when Elle shouted in joy.
"Snuggle nights! Really!" Elle cried out with such joy that Azula's cold eyes twitched knowing that it would be impossible to stop Ty Lee now.
"That's right! You're so cute I just have to snuggle you." Ty Lee answered while beaming at Elle's bright countenance.
"Will you be there Azula-sama?!" Elle requested in excitement with the princess glaring ahead with icy amber golden eyes.
Mai began to snort while laughing softly while Azula glared at her as if silently attempting to combust her into flames.
"No. I will not and neither will…" Azula growled out while glaring between both of her friends in annoyance.
"Of course, she will. Azula will be there." Ty Lee snickered while the princess continued to glare between her and her comrade.
"Azula-sama? Will you and I have snuggle nights at the palace?" Elle pondered with her words causing Azula to stiffen in her seat.
Her friends were now cracking up in laughter that they could no longer stifle.
'Damn you Ty Lee! That's just what I need! This girl wandering the palace late at night to knock on my chamber door…for a snuggle!' The princess thought with her callous eyes narrowing dangerously.
"There will be no snuggle nights servant. In my chamber, or otherwise." Azula declared harshly with her words hitting the girl harder than she intended.
If the girl started wandering the palace and coming to her chamber, before she was Fire Lord.
That was a guaranteed way to get her father to ship the girl away.
"O-oh…" Elle stuttered while falling silent once more with the other two women turning to the now scowling princess.
"What?" Azula demanded with aggravation ripe in her voice while she glared back at the two of them.
"I am certain this girl will have a grand time dating you Azula. She gets to clean the entire palace and cook your meals. That's all within reason. But forbid her if she wants to hug you." Mai stated dryly while drinking her ale.
"Yeah seriously Azula. There's nothing wrong with Elle coming over to hang out for a night. If you don't want to that's fine. But I don't see why she can't visit." Ty Lee insisted with a frown on her usually cheerful lips.
"You two are fools. I already stated that Father would not approve. Letting the girl visit my chamber late at night is the perfect way for him to take notice. Need I say anymore?" Azula snapped as she gazed at her two-childhood friends before glancing down at Elle's downcast face.
"I know that. But you could at least consider letting her visit me." Ty Lee complained while the regal woman groaned loudly.
"I'll think about it. Happy now?" Azula hissed with her words instantly causing the girl to peer up with cheerier eyes than before.
"Yep!" Ty Lee exclaimed in a victorious voice while winking at Elle's smiling face.
She knew that Azula agreed to that not to cheer up but to revive Elle from her sullen mood.
Not that Azula would ever admit it aloud.
"Can I still eat breakfast with you each morning Azula-sama?" Elle requested politely while gazing up at Azula with hopeful amber eyes.
"If you don't broadcast it around the palace…" Azula answered sternly while peering down at Elle with a dominant gaze.
"I won't tell a soul Princess!" Elle chirped while saluting the ruthless princess with a bright smile about her.
They continued talking for a few more minutes before the curtains were brushed aside once more and the waitress wheeled their dinner in.
Their steaming plates were set down before each of them all the while Elle gazed down at the curry with childish awe in her eyes.
And then the princess dismissed the woman with a wave of her hand once more.
The princess sighed as she began to eat her curry while she observed her mousy handmaid's grudgingly adorably sense of wonder.
"This looks so good Azula-sama! Thank you!" Elle exclaimed with cheer while embracing the princess's bicep affectionately.
"Just eat your food servant. And don't push on my stomach." Azula grumbled as she found herself allowing the girl to remain on her arm while they both began to eat.
She swallowed a mouthful of curry to quiet her growling belly all the while the petite girl cheerily ate beside her.
The sight of Azula permitting a girl to hold her arm while she ate was a stunning one to both Mai and Ty Lee.
In that moment the two actually looked like they were a dating couple.
Albeit an odd couple, but a couple all the same.
Neither dared to comment on the princess's strange show of fondness knowing that if they did, she would shove Elle off her just as soon as they spoke.
"Azula-sama?" Elle began warmly as she nibbled on her curry while the princess turned to peer down at her.
"Yes?" Azula replied in her usual abrasive voice with her friends observing as discreetly as possible.
'I can tell that Azula likes Elle. Even I would get snapped at if I bothered her like this while she ate…' Ty Lee thought while smiling as she ate her hotcakes.
"Can I show you and my big sister's some of the cool stuff I was telling you about earlier?" Elle requested sweetly as she gazed up at the now sighing princess.
"Cool stuff?" Mai inquired with a small trace of amusement in her voice as she gazed at the beaming young girl.
"A few toys from her homeland…likely nothing of interest to me. She already clarified to me that they were just toys. Not tools of war." Azula remarked dryly while Elle still clung to her toned bicep.
"Oh, don't be like that Azula! There are other things in life besides war. Of course, we'd love to see your stuff Elle." Ty Lee assured warmly while nodding at the innocent girl.
"Do I have your permission Your Highness?" Elle continued with as she peered up at the princess with adorable puppy dog eyes.
"While your submission undoubtably pleases me. That look isn't going to work on me." Azula commented in a supremely smug voice while the petite girl's shoulders sunk pitifully like a pouting puppy.
"B-but Mistress Azula you said you'd look at them later…it's later…" Elle murmured with a childishness to her voice while prodding her food with her utensil.
The two noblewomen just watched in amusement when Azula's eyes twitched ever so slightly like an annoyed parent.
"As your mistress it is I who defines what constitutes later. Perhaps my definition of later…is a year or two?" Azula spoke with a hint of playfulness to her voice while staring down at the sulking girl.
"Y-you didn't say a few years…I keenly recall you said later…I would know if you said a year. I memorize everything you say…" Elle trailed off while the princess's eyes shone with a trace of amusement.
"Do you now? Oh, very well. Show me your toys." Azula finally relented while sighing as the girl squeezed her arm with increased affection.
"Arigatou gozaimasu Azula-sama!" Elle cheered while giggling as she leaned into the callous woman's arm.
"You had best keep up your good behavior if you wish to retain these privileges. Is that understood servant?" Azula explained in a harsh voice while staring down at her petite pet with imposing amber golden eyes.
"Yes Azula-sama! I will be a good girl for my caretaker." Elle chimed as she released the much taller woman's arm before sliding to collect her backpack.
"Caretaker? What do you think I am girl? Your mother?" Azula snapped with her eyes narrowing down at the girl's radiant face.
"Azula…a caretaker." Mai snorted in a deadpan manner while the woman in question glared daggers into her skull.
"Oh no, you're not my mother. But technically as my mistress that makes you my legal guardian. Seeing as I am underaged. Which is…basically the same thing as a parent." Elle responded happily as she paid no heed to Azula glaring down at her.
"Did you just get snarky with me?" Azula demanded with her wine cup in hand while watching her little handmaid unzip her precious backpack.
That girl acted as if that stupid bag was her third arm.
"Mm-mm. I got factual." Elle responded to the other two women's entertainment as they observed their leader bicker with a young girl.
"Factual is it? If I wish I could deem you a slave and revoke all of your so-called rights. Slaves don't have legal guardians. How's that for factual?" Azula retorted with Ty Lee giggling in the background as she glared down at the girl.
"You could. But I know that my princess wouldn't do such a cruel thing to me." Elle stated while digging in her backpack with a broad grin about her young countenance.
If anyone else dared to speak those words to Azula, they would have been burned horribly and sent soaring to the floor.
Yet Azula did not lash out.
"I wouldn't be too sure of that. I am plenty cruel." Azula spoke smugly with her elbows leaning on the tabletop as she swallowed another bite of her dinner.
That was when her observant eyes caught sight of the little diary being withdrawn as if it was the most precious thing in the world to Elle.
"Is that a diary Elle?" Ty Lee pondered in a jovial voice while her fellow noblewomen gazed over in mild interest.
"Yep! It's my Princess Azula reference book!" Elle cried out in an adorably excited voice while her three friends blinked in comical surprise.
While the princess gazed on in amazement after being told the title of the diary.
Before her lips pulled into a gratified smirk while her two friends gazed at the girl in a delightfully stunned silence.
"You have got to be kidding me Shorty. You…named your Azula diary?" Mai questioned with annoyance in her voice while gazing at the book in disbelief.
"Wow Azula. She really is your biggest fan!" Ty Lee called out smiling all the while despite how odd Elle was.
Odd but oh so cute.
"I sure am! I record everything of importance that she says, from how she likes her food, to her rules and so much more!" Elle announced as she puffed out her chest in pride while holding the book up for all to see.
"My…my…my. I knew that you were making some notes but…never in this much detail. Such a good pet. Why don't you amuse your mistress and your big sisters? Read us a few excerpts or two…" Azula remarked in a voice of great self-importance while peering down at her cheerful pet.
"Please no." Mai groaned only for the girl to open the book up in a prideful manner.
"Yes, Mistress Azula. I am so overjoyed to belong to you." Elle agreed with her submissive words earning her another pat to the head from Azula.
"Hm. Well trained, isn't she?" Azula inquired haughtily as she danced her fingers through Elle's hair all the while enjoying how the girl buried her nose in the diary as if it was a novel.
Neither of her friends graced her with a reply.
Not that she needed one.
Their silence was just as delightful.
"Day one, punctuality. Palace rumor goes that Azula-sama grows wrathful with the tardy. I work in advance so I am always early. This way I am always ahead of her schedule." Elle spoke with cheer lacing in voice while the princess leaned into her right-hand smiling.
"Mhm. I've noticed. Good girl." Azula purred while she patted Elle's head with her friends sinking back in their seats.
Their faces were just priceless!
"Day one, her will. I learned this particular lesson after witnessing Miss Chia lose her position. I confess that I did not much care for Miss Chia after she spent several hours screaming at me in the kitchens. She informed me that the princess would be furious if I did not put my hair in a bun. I knew this to be untrue. Just one hour before Azula-sama told me that I was presentable." Elle explained with while adorably chewing on her lip as she hid face first in her book.
"No kidding Azula…she's detailed." Ty Lee muttered in awe as she continued to eat while listening in closely.
"Indeed Ty Lee. That she is." Azula agreed with even more approval in her voice than before all the while glancing down at her little admirer with fondness in her eyes.
This girl just may well make the ultimate submissive girlfriend.
Young, lovely, absolutely obedient and she confides that she finds the girl's company rather pleasant.
With her coronation upon the horizon she could see much value in Elle as a potential marital candidate. Not that she would publicly admit as such.
At least not yet.
"Her Highness chose me personally, she told me that I was to be her pet. If Azula-sama said presentable, I was presentable. I suspected that it would be unwise to make alterations to my person without her prior permit. Yet Miss Chia did not agree. She told me that she felt that she could speak for the princess, claiming that Her Highness doesn't have the time for the trivial details." Elle continued to read while her mistress petted her head all the while swallowing her most recent mouthful.
The princess's smirk continued to grow with every sentence that Elle read in her little love-struck voice.
All the while musing that even she was astounded by her little servant's attention to detail.
"This is one of the most pleasant meals that I have ever had." Azula commented while scooping up another bite with smugness lacing her voice.
Mai was now glaring at her with her eyes beginning to twitch but that did not stop her little admirer from reading onward.
"Miss Chia was incorrect. Azula-sama not only has the time, but Her Highness notices every detail. Nothing escapes her. I knew this from the moment I laid eyes on her. I knew that my mistress would disapprove of me wearing the bun. But I obeyed Miss Chia regardless. Though I did warn Miss Chia that if Azula-sama was displeased that I would be certain to let her know that it was not my idea. She snapped at me. Suffice to say when Miss Chia was ejected from the palace my thoughts were proven accurate. And the kitchens have been much more peaceful ever since." Elle informed sweetly while Azula leaned over her chewing her curry in a refined manner.
"Hm. You are correct Elle. Nothing escapes me. I applaud your due diligence." Azula cooed while grinning down at her lovely pet's focused countenance.
"My conclusion, never insult Her Highness by claiming that any task is beyond her capability, and just as damning. Never claim to speak for Her Highness. If the order didn't come from her lips. Ignore it. Ending note. I am really thankful to Her Highness for dismissing Miss Chia." Elle concluded while turning the page as she smiled up at her impressed mistress.
"You are most welcome servant. If there is anyone else you dislike just let me know." Azula stated while lounging upon her dainty admirer's head with a broad smirk upon her crimson lips.
"Ugh. Please no more Azula." Mai complained while Ty Lee still gazed at the small blonde with astounded brown-gray eyes.
"Day one, cherry pits." Elle chirped as she peered back into her book all the while shivering pleasantly with Azula breathing warm air upon her neck.
"Just ignore Mai." Azula commented while staring down at her favorite handmaid with a possessiveness in her controlling eyes that grew by the minute.
"A servant whose name will go unmentioned had missed several cherry pits in the first bowl. I took it upon myself to finish the job. By the time I was through, over four hundred cherries were pit free. Her Highness was vastly pleased. So much so that she rewarded me. She fed me two cherries, and petted me. Azula-sama says that I am a good pet." Elle mumbled while the princess patted her head upon hearing those words.
"You most certainly are. I am keeping you on cherry detail. Continue to do a good job and I will feed you more next time." Azula purred while peering down at Elle's blushing face with gratified eyes.
Though Azula was enjoying the diary reading.
Ty Lee and even Mai couldn't help but begin to worry for the girl's mental health.
It was becoming apparent that Elle's abusive past played a major factor in her desire to serve Azula.
And it was rather unnerving to hear the effect that Azula was having on her innocent psyche.
"Day one, loyalty. My princess appreciates the loyal. I learned this when I confessed that I did I not wish to return to my homeland, but to instead spend my life serving her. She rewarded me with a plate of food at her table. Her Highness even conversed with me after her friends left. Her final words…fix my hair." Elle piped up with joy in her young voice while Azula laughed above her once more.
"So, you did give her a plate. You were just too prideful to let us see you feeding a servant. Typical Azula." Mai scoffed while eating her soup with annoyance in her eyes.
"Absolutely marvelous girl! You are the perfect pet! Keep up the good behavior and you can eat with me every night." Azula announced with smugness in her voice all the while patting the girl's smiling head.
"Azula! I am glad you like her but I am getting worried. You're taking this pet thing way too far." Ty Lee stated with concern in her voice as she stared at the girl buried in her book.
"She herself admits that she delights in my dominance. As far as I am concerned…the girl consents to being my pet. Now hush Ty Lee." Azula commanded sternly before swallowing another drink of her wine.
Ty Lee sunk back with her arms over her chest.
It was hard to argue the issue if the girl enjoyed it but still…it was just worrying hearing Elle happily record Azula declaring that she was a good pet.
The petite girl then turned red while speedily turning the page only for her mistress to grasp her wrist in a vicelike grip.
"Why the red face? Aren't you going to read me that passage?" Azula taunted in a hubristic voice while her friends turned their heads in grudging curiosity.
"M-may I please skip this page?" Elle squeaked in a bashful voice while Azula shook her head over her shoulder.
"No. I want to know what you wrote. Read it to me servant." Azula ordered with a curious smile on her lips while she gazed down at the flustered teenager with fixated amber golden eyes.
"H-Her Highness has a wonderful b-backside. F-flawless and beautiful like the rest of her. Its well-formed shape is s-simply divine." Elle read in a lovable stutter while her princess's lips curved into a pleased smirk.
"E-Elle! We really don't need to h ear a narration about Azula's ass!" Ty Lee exclaimed with a reddened countenance while her friend's smirk grew even bigger.
Though she couldn't deny that Elle's admiration was cute, in a bizarre fashion.
"Hm. You were checking out my ass when you were bowing weren't you?" Azula purred with amusement rather than anger in her voice while gazing down at the girl's cutely confuddled face.
"M-maybe." Elle admitted while shrinking further into her seat with her mistress's chuckles ringing in her ears.
"I will let it slide. If only because you are such a good girl. If it were anyone else. Anyone other than you. I would incinerate them. But you…you are too precious to incinerate. You may continue now." Azula called out with supreme smugness while Elle speedily turned the page.
"Do you even sleep Elle? Or do you spend all night thinking about Azula?" Mai asked while staring at Elle's flushing face with slight amusement in her tawny eyes.
"O-of course I sleep! I have to be energized to please Azula-sama!" Elle exclaimed while blushing under all of the attention from her mistress and her big sisters.
"Correct Mai. I must be pleased. The girl has the right idea." Azula stated while holding her wine cup with her lips curling into a smile.
"Day two, co-workers. Most of the palace staff seems to think there is something wrong with me. They stare at me all day, and I get the feeling that I am a subject of mockery. They seem to think me daft. That's alright. Because Azula-sama approves of me. Two hundred servants can disapprove of me. But so long as Her Highness approves, I am happy." Elle declared while puffing out her chest once more while grinning up at her mistress's contemplative countenance.
"Aww. That's adorable Azula." Ty Lee cooed while she smiled at Elle once more.
For as cold as Azula was.
The girl's sweet words of loyalty were slowly but surely worming their way into her heart.
And strange as it may be, she was somewhat angry hearing that her less skilled servants were whispering about her most dutiful pet.
"Who says you're daft? I will not have it said that Princess Azula punishes the devoted and rewards the incompetent. If these whispers continue. Come to me." Azula remarked with a frown on her lovely lips while her subordinates gazed at her in silent shock.
"A-arigatou gozaimasu Azula-sama." Elle mumbled while feeling a hand pat her head once more which brought a bright smile to her lips.
"Mhm. You belong to me." Azula stated possessively while staring down at the red-faced girl all the while enjoying her lengthy tributes.
"Day two, tea. Her Highness likes her tea bright and early, on the dot, every morning at seven. Azula-sama permitted me a cup for myself, she even offered to let me sit in a chair. I chose to sit by the foot of her throne. I prefer proximity to my princess over comfort. When she patted my head, and told me that I was a good girl. I knew it was worth the sacrifice." Elle told her mistress with a joyful smile on her young lips.
It was apparent to all three of the women that Elle was completely taken with Azula.
"We shall continue this morning routine. Is that satisfactory servant?" Azula inquired with a trace of affection in her cold voice while staring down at the beaming girl with callous amber golden eyes.
"Yes Azula-sama." Elle responded while embracing Azula's side with a serene smile while the woman peered down at her sighing.
"But I warn you…if you tell anyone that I allowed you to hug me…" Azula grumbled as she grudgingly allowed her pet to lean into her belly.
"I thought you didn't snuggle Azula?" Ty Lee snickered while wrathful amber golden eyes flickered back at her all the while narrowing dangerously.
"I don't. But if I allow her to latch onto me from time to time. I can get away with denying you snuggle nights." Azula stated ruthlessly while smiling at Ty Lee's pouting face.
"I have to say Azula…I never thought I'd see you holding a young girl in your lap." Mai said while pushing her empty bowl away.
The princess decided to ignore her friends taunting words while peering down at her pet's lovable face.
Her eyes flickered to the girl's wine cup.
And the gears in her mind already began turning.
"Servant. I demand that you drink another cup with me." Azula commanded while pouring her handmaid a slightly larger cup than before.
"Yes Mistress. Day two, protection. The princess permitted me to talk with her throughout the morning. And though she deems me a needy little peasant, she listened to me, and told me that she would personally kill anyone that tried to hurt me. I gave her a gift, my princess seemed pleased with my poetry." Elle spoke while a wine cup lowered before her lips.
Her mistress tipped the cup back as she took a modest drink while a blush began to grow on her cheeks.
"A needy little peasant Azula?" Ty Lee sighed while shoving her empty plate away.
"She is a needy little peasant. Just look at her. Crawling into my lap." Azula snorted while setting her handmaid's cup down with grace.
"At some point Her Highness's belly growled. And she yelled, servant, I am hungry!" Elle exclaimed while holding a finger to her lip with her words producing another amused snort from Azula.
"You even record when my stomach growls. Good girl." Azula commented with satisfaction lining her voice while drinking her wine.
"I fetched my princess breakfast, she permitted me to eat beside her in a chair. We talked, and though I am but a commoner, she agreed to my offer of friendship. She assured me that she would look at my music player later." Elle informed with a slight smugness of her own while peering up at her scowling mistress.
"Well done Elle! There aren't many people that can catch Azula in a lie!" Ty Lee cheered while Azula glared down at Elle's beaming face.
"Ugh! I'll look at the damn music box! Are you happy now?" Azula scoffed while reclining in her seat before sighing heavily.
"Yay! You'll like it! It's cool!" Elle chirped while Azula stared down at her with deadpan eyes before they narrowed once more upon reading the next entry.
"What other observations did you make little sister?" Ty Lee asked in a cheerful voice with a wide grin on her lips while the younger girl beamed back at her.
"Her Highness is very huggable and she is so cute when she is angry." Elle chirped in a jubilant voice as her big sister's snickered from the other side of the table while Azula stiffened in anger.
"You know Azula…you kind of are." Ty Lee agreed much to the other woman's outrage while Azula continued to glare down at Elle.
"I'll show you just how 'cute' my temper gets servant. Now I command you to stop giggling!" Azula hissed while the girl continued to giggle softly all the while meeting her angered gaze.
"Day two, naptime on Azula-sama's thigh." Elle began cheerily with the princess reeling around to glare back at Mai's taunting face.
"That was adorable Azula." Ty Lee commented while laughing in good-natured amusement.
"After breakfast was concluded, I chose to return to the floor sitting by her feet. She praised me, and then she even allowed me to rest my face upon her thigh. Speech was now prohibited…so I fell asleep in her lap. I awoke one hour later disappointed when Her Highness declared that naptime was over." Elle announced with a peaceful voice while swooning with love-struck amber eyes peering up at her mistress.
"The next time you fall asleep I will punish you. Is that understood?" Azula asked in an icy voice while tipping another drink of wine down her lovely pet's throat.
The young girl gulped it down as her face turned even redder while she attempted to quickly turn the page.
Only for a powerful hand to seize hold of her wrist once more.
"No skipping. I want to hear everything." Azula purred in a silken voice with a haughty smile on her lips while her servant shakily nodded her head.
"H-Her Highness's t-thighs are flawlessly shaped, soft like the f-finest pillow, as her long, b-beautiful legs. There is a p-particularly nice view of Her Highness's perfect b-backside when she is seated upon her throne. I-I could have slept there all day." Elle stuttered in a buzzed-up voice as she blushed while Azula gazed down at her with a haughty smirk upon her crimson lips.
"Perfect is it?" Azula questioned in a conceited voice with a gratified smirk on her lips while her flustered serving girl averted her eyes from her gaze.
"W-well if I am going to kneel, I may as well enjoy the view." Elle sputtered with her words causing the princess to roll her eyes almost fondly.
"Consider yourself fortunate Elle that you even get close enough to get a view." Azula spoke while Elle hiccupped once more with an adorable look of mild intoxication about her.
"Y-yes my princess charming…" Elle mumbled while Azula sighed as she allowed the girl to lay her head upon her belly.
"Don't go too fast Azula. This is her first-time drinking." Ty Lee advised in a sisterly voice while gazing warmly at Elle's relaxed face.
"Calm down Ty Lee. I am more than capable of supervising my handmaid." Azula stated as she continued to stare down at the girl laying against her belly with her diary in hand.
"Day two, her magnificence. Her Highness's beauty is truly grand. My princess is without doubt the most beautiful woman there is. From her silken dark hair…to her crisp cinnamon scent…to her smooth voice which is like music to my ears. I find every aspect of her High Highness spellbinding…" Elle admitted in a tender voice with her princess now gazing down at her with marginally widened eyes.
"Aww! That's so sweet Azula." Ty Lee cooed while gazing at the princess's taken aback expression.
"I am well aware servant. But it is good of you to take such careful note of my magnificence all the same." Azula remarked with a graceful smile on her controlling lips while the petite girl's hands quivered in a grudgingly cute manner.
The gloomy noblewoman could only sigh under her breath knowing that this innocent girl was going to continue to drive Azula's ego to even further towering heights.
"W-while I find the whole of Her Highness divine. I confide that my favorite aspect about my princess is her lovely eyes. Her gaze is truly enrapturing. With every order I find myself consumed under her captivating spell. Even her fearsome glare that makes most fear imminent doom makes my heart race so wonderfully." Elle confessed while embracing the woman's belly once more with Azula peering down at her face her lips pursed elegantly.
"Really? My eyes? I would have thought otherwise based on your prior entries." Azula commented as she held a finger to her chin while smiling slyly down at the girl's reddening countenance.
"N-no Azula-sama. It's your eyes." Elle stammered in a mildly intoxicated voice while her princess's chuckle flowed into her ears.
"Hm. I suppose I will just have to take your word for it." Azula stated with supreme haughtiness in her voice while pressing her elbow down on Elle's soft head.
All the while Ty Lee giggled once more as she turned to Mai's deadpan expression that clearly conveyed how the other woman felt about the Azula-centric diary.
That when the princess's callous eyes widened once more after noticing the girl's final and most recent entry.
With emotion lacing her voice Elle grasped onto her book while her joyous words resonated into the air.
"D-day two, h-home." Elle murmured with a stutter while her words struck even Azula into a state of silence.
The affect was instantaneous, even Mai glanced up from her prior bored demeanor to gaze at Elle in shock.
Ty Lee was so touched by the girl's sweet words that a tear began to stream down her cheek all the while she gazed back at Azula practically pleading her not to crush Elle's spirit.
"I-I have finally found where I belong, my place is besides Azula-sama. I wish to follow Princess Azula for all of my days. Because…Azula-sama is my h-home." Elle concluded in a voice overflowing with contentment just as she quietly closed her diary.
All the while leaning into the princess's belly while the regal woman gazed down at her with uncharacteristic astonishment in her amber golden eyes.
Azula did not fail to notice the sight of a tear trailing down the girl's cheek before she closed her eyes while she sighed as she began to rub the bridge of her nose.
Curse this girl for making her feel such weakness!
"How is it that I am your home?" Azula pondered while staring down at the young girl's emotional face with her brows furrowing in bewilderment.
"B-because my home is besides you Azula-sama…isn't it?" Elle questioned as she craned her neck to peer into Azula's harsh eyes.
"Azula…" Ty Lee muttered softly while her friend's emotionless eyes turned to meet her gaze taking note of her tears as well.
She truly hoped that Azula would take their earlier discussion to heart.
If the princess could learn to be even just a little bit kinder, she would be more than happy.
"Are you two ever going to stop crying?" Azula snorted as she sat back with her arms folding over her breasts all the while glancing down at Elle's sniffling face.
"S-sumimasen Azula-sama." Elle responded as she held onto the woman's stomach with her face resting below her breasts.
"If you wish to see me as your home…then very well. I will permit it…but this stays between you and me. Is that understood Elle?" Azula announced with her cup in hand as she sat back with her admirer pressing her face into her belly.
And just like that she watched as the girl's sadness faded away.
Elle wiped her eyes all the while nodding gratefully while peering up at Azula's towering form just as the woman took another graceful swallow of her wine.
"As you say Azula-sama…you have but to simply speak and this loyal girl will obey." Elle declared passionately just as she beamed up at Azula with endless adoration in her loving eyes.
"That was one of the sweetest things that I have ever heard." Ty Lee stated while wiping her eyes as well.
"That is what I like to hear servant. Now…continue to be a good girl for me and this home of yours beside me…will always be open to you." Azula spoke while gazing down at Elle's overjoyed face all the while the petite girl clung to her stomach.
"Y-yes Azula-sama. I will always be Her Highness's good girl." Elle stated while smiling radiantly up at the princess's elegantly smiling lips.
"Mhm. Let us hope so Elle. Let us hope." Azula purred with her little admirer practically sprawling out across her lap while she lay her arm in her lovely handmaid's hair.
"Your Elle is forever loyal…forever and ever with Azula-sama." Elle answered with her eyes peering up at the older woman's toned bicep with a broad smile taking over her innocent visage.
"Aren't they cute together Mai?" Ty Lee pondered as she turned to Mai while the composed woman gazed back at the two girls seated beside each other.
"Elle maybe. Azula…not really." Mai replied while drinking her ale with her tawny eyes observing the young girl's joyous little face.
"If you so terribly wish for me to dictate your every decision until your dying breathe…then I suppose I could grant your wish." Azula sighed lazily while stretching out legs out upon the cushioned seat with a confident smile growing upon her full lips.
And just like that both noblewomen were flinching in renewed sympathy for the naïve girl's rapidly vanishing freedom.
"Please do! I would be lost without your guidance Azula-sama. I find your authority quite comforting!" Elle cried out while affectionately nuzzling her princess's muscular stomach with her eyes reflecting her serene mood.
The princess's lips curled into a truly delighted smirk while she peered down at her rather stunning little pet.
As far as Azula was concerned. What was there not to love about this girl?
"There goes any freedom that you had left kid." Mai informed dryly while staring back at Elle's carefree face before sighing under her breathe.
"I just knew that you would find my rule to your liking. Oh, very well…I will control you until the end of time!" Azula growled in a truly imposing voice while glaring down at Elle's blushing little face hiding in her belly.
"O-oh Azula-sama…I just love it when you talk to me like that. It gets me so excited!" Elle exclaimed cheerily with her arms wrapping around the woman's belly.
"Hm. Then take heart my loyal pet…the excitement has only just begun…" Azula trailed off in a possessive voice while reaching down to pat her little admirer's head smiling gracefully all the while.
"M-my princess…" Elle stuttered sweetly while pushing her face into her mistress's stomach all the while enjoying the way her princess petted her head.
Though Mai was gazing at her with a trace of concern in her eyes and Ty Lee was smiling in an awkward manner.
Elle was never once bothered in the least.
"My servant…my favorite servant." Azula spoke with a domineering countenance while lounging like a true queen with her young pet wrapping her little arms around her belly.
"Home…my home." Elle whispered with pink adorning her cheeks as she lay upon Azula while the woman's finger trailed through her hair.
Azula stared down at her adorable handmaid with callous amber golden eyes all the while fondly patting the petite girl's plush head.
It was a strange compulsion…
But she was most definitely keeping this one around.
That Azula knew without a doubt.
AN:
The reason why I showed Elle reading from her diary was to demonstrate the difference between her and Azula's other maids. Plus, I wanted to write Azula's reaction to the diary.