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Lessons in Gold – Chapter Eighteen
The princess discreetly glanced up from her paperwork when her servant returned with a fresh cup in hand.
"Prompt as usual. You please me very much Elle." Azula commented with a hum while gazing up when her handmaid set her cup down before her.
"I am honored that you think so Azula-sama." Elle spoke with a soft smile before sitting down at the foot of the woman's throne while amber golden eyes peered down at her in a pleased manner.
"You are going to sit by my feet while I lecture you?" Azula pondered while staring down at her handmaid leaning in to rest her head against her knee.
"Since it is considered improper for a servant to share a bed with her mistress. I wish to spend as much time beside you as I can in other ways. To that end I would much rather sit at your feet." Elle answered serenely peering up at her princess looming above her with her red lips curving into a refined smirk.
"Hm. You like sitting at my feet?" Azula purred just as she reached down to plant her hand in the girl's hair while Elle began to push her face into her pant leggings.
"T-that's so Azula-sama." Elle murmured shyly with heated cheeks while the woman's hand continued to pat her head.
"I suppose I could allow it. It is a fitting place for you. You are my pet after all." Azula commented while gulping down a sip of her tea with her palm possessively clutching at her little servant's plush hair.
"I am!" Elle agreed with warm laughter while the princess stared down at her with her cup in hand.
"Now then…where were we? Fire Nation currency." Azula stated casually just as she folded one leg over the other while Elle still clung to her leg that remained on the floor.
"Yes, I need to know how to determine the appropriate amount per transaction." Elle replied with a smile that never wavered even when a pointed boot hung in her face.
"That's right. You don't mind my boot in your face do you servant?" Azula inquired lazily while glancing down at her pretty handmaid sitting unbothered by her boot lingering in her eyes.
"Oh no, Her Highness's comfort is deeply important to me. By all means Azula-sama…do what makes you most comfortable." Elle chimed in a gentle voice while she hung onto her mistress's long leg.
"I can assure you I will. I was only asking because I am fond of you. Now back to currency. Our currency is called the ban. There are three different pieces of ban. Copper, silver, and gold. Gold is the most valuable, and silver after that…and copper the least." Azula instructed in a patient voice while she continued to absentmindedly pet the girl's head.
"I get it! But I don't know the worth of what you paid me…I don't…give away the entire bag do I?" Elle questioned in a childlike voice while she chewed on her lip thoughtfully.
"Give away the…no! You don't give away an entire bag of gold for whatever peasant urge is sure to strike your fancy!" Azula barked with a roll of her amber golden eyes while her handmaid gazed up at her with a finger adorably pushing on her lip.
"Huh! That's all gold?" Elle spoke with innocent puzzlement in her voice while the princess glanced down at her grunting in mild annoyance.
"Of course, it's all gold girl. What did you think? That Princess Azula pays in coppers?" Azula snorted while staring down at her pet's naïve little face with deadpan eyes.
"I didn't even know that I got paid! This is all new to me. An entire bag of gold…" Elle trailed off just as she folded her arms as if thinking the matter over deeply.
"Yes servant…an entire bag…" Azula confirmed flatly while gazing down at her favored servant in a manner akin to a parent speaking slowly so their child will understand.
She was beginning to ponder if there was even a point in paying the girl.
"Hm. So…if I want to buy something. How much ban do I give away?" Elle asked with her young face furrowing in a show of innocent confusion.
"What do you wish to purchase Elle?" Azula inquired with a sigh all the while holding her small admirer's head beneath her petting hand.
She was starting to think that it would be easier if she simply continued to buy what Elle desired for her as a reward for good behavior.
She truly didn't desire to deprive her most loyal servant of pay…but now she wasn't certain that her handmaid wouldn't just give the entire bag away.
All for something childish no doubt.
"Um…I am not sure yet!" Elle exclaimed with a bright smile while craning her neck to peer up at the princess's scrunched up expression.
"How can I tell you how much to use if you don't even know what you want?" Azula demanded with a roll of her lovely eyes while staring down at her pet's naïve countenance.
"Well I have a few ideas but I can't tell you Azula-sama. It's a secret!" Elle piped up with a grin while the princess glanced down at her with deadpan amber golden eyes.
"A secret? I already explained to you that there will be no more secrets. I own you girl…and that includes every thought that floats through that little mind of yours." Azula declared just as she thrust her finger in the girl's beaming face.
"I know! I am so lucky that I have you to decide for me Princess." Elle commented with a relaxed sigh while leaning into her love interest's kneecap.
"I am pleased that you see things my way. Now tell me this…secret. No doubt that it is something that will shake the land itself." Azula spoke with her palm stroking her handmaid's hair with an amused smirk adorning her lips.
"I can't tell you what I wish to buy you Azula-sama. That's just silly." Elle admitted with a sunny smile while the princess glanced down at her with a comically dry stare.
"For me servant?" Azula repeated flatly while gazing down at her pet's bashful face with her brows furrowing in humorous bewilderment.
"O-of course. I can finally buy my princess a gift now. Sorry Mistress. I can't tell you." Elle concluded sagely with a nod while she listened to Azula snort snidely above her.
"You are going to buy me a gift with your pay? That seems…rather counterproductive." Azula stated in an amused voice while rubbing the bridge of her nose just as she sighed under her breath.
'Why did I bother paying her if the gold is just going to flow back to me?' Azula thought with an exasperated expression about her all while peering down at the girl's head resting upon her leg.
While it most surely did baffle her.
On the other hand, she was greatly pleased to hear the girl say this.
While it was laughable that Elle thought that she could afford a proper gift for the Crown Princess of the Fire Nation.
It was also quite stimulating to know that she truly was Elle's all-consuming thought.
So much so…that she had even refrained from berating the girl that there was no gift that she did not already own.
"I don't understand Azula-sama. Why is it counterproductive? Girlfriends get each other gifts do they not? I don't want to be a bad girlfriend." Elle questioned with innocence lacing her young voice while gazing up at the princess 's scrunched up visage.
Those words were both pleasing and comical to Azula at the same time.
"Fine! Do as you wish Tiger Monkey. But still, I need you to give me a few examples things that you would like to buy for yourself." Azula sighed as she waved her hand before her face all while gazing down at her cheery pet with even more fondness than before.
This was exactly why she was finding herself quite taken with her little servant.
Elle was the only person whose company she was able to tolerate for an extended length of time.
So much so that she could spend long hours with the girl day in and day out.
"Oh me? I don't really want anything." Elle chimed chipperly while she listened to Azula groan in aggravation above her.
"Nothing? So, this lesson on currency is essentially pointless?" Azula remarked with her annoyed eyes peering down at her favorite handmaid still cuddling her knee.
"No Azula-sama! I need to know so I can buy you gifts." Elle reasoned innocently with her young face gazing up at the princess's sighing countenance.
"Your enthusiasm to tribute pleases me Elle. But I paid you…to reward yourself." Azula remarked with a shake of her head while she sipped at her tea sighing as she did so.
"Well…I like pralines! Is a praline worth a gold coin?" Elle pondered while leaning on her elbows as she peered up at the princess with adoring amber eyes.
"What…no! A praline is not worth a gold coin! And you already have pralines!" Azula bellowed with her eyes narrowing in a manner similar to an aggravated mother.
Her relationship with this servant was a strange one. Even she knew that.
In a way Elle was almost her child, servant and love interest all intertwined as one.
Despite there only being a six to seven-year age difference between them.
She supposed it had much to do with her servant's childlike disposition.
"Wow! I-it was really nice of you to give me so many coins Azula-sama." Elle spoke with a blush while smiling up at her princess with sunny eyes.
"I will not allow it to be said that my most faithful servant went unpaid. Even if flows back into my pockets in one manner or another." Azula commented dryly before reaching down to pet the girl's head once more.
"I want to get my oneesans something…what do they like?" Elle pondered with her little eyes peering up into Azula's now narrowing eyes.
"You wish to tribute Mai and Ty Lee?" Azula demanded with an envious undertone while staring down at her petite handmaid with a frown adorning her lips.
"Not a tribute Azula-sama. It's not romantic. They are my big sisters. So, I would like to get them something…" Elle explained innocently with a timid smile while Azula glanced down at her seemingly placated by the answer.
"Well…ignoring the fact that I have forbidden you to give tributes to other women. I suppose I could assist you." The Princes stated while taking another drink of her beverage.
"I am so fortunate to have you as my leader Princess. I just know I'll learn so much from you." Elle replied sweetly while the princess gazed down at her with a returning smile.
"Hm. On that we are in agreement servant. Though I must ask…you do know that Mai and Ty Lee both are rich right?" Azula questioned with a curious tilt of her head while Elle just beamed up at her.
"Yep! I thought so. My oneesans are noblewomen. That means that they are upper class." Elle answered with her face pressing into the princess's leg while the woman gazed stared down at her with amused amber golden eyes.
"Yes, they are both nobility, second only to royalty such as myself…and you are a commoner. Do you understand what I am trying to say Elle?" Azula responded while she stared down at her carefree servant with an expression of superiority in her cold eyes.
"I-I am lower class." Elle answered with a noticeable drop in confidence while she averted her eyes from the princess's callous gaze.
"Indeed…you are lower class. You are the first commoner that I have even deemed worth my time. Much less permitted in my inner circle." Azula declared with her palm gripping her tea cup before she took note of the young girl's crestfallen face.
"D-does being a commoner…make me a lesser person Azula-sama? Does that mean…that there is something wrong with me?" Elle requested with a stutter while Azula glanced down at her turned head with something akin to remorse in her strict eyes.
"No. It does not. That wasn't what I was trying to say." Azula assured in a more subdued voice while frowning down at the innocent girl seated at her feet.
If any other peasant were to ask her that she would have responded accordingly.
But Elle…
For some reason she was bothered by the sight of her young companion's saddened face.
She preferred the girl smiling.
"I-I'm not?" Elle asked with a more hopeful voice while turning to gaze up at her princess's elegant visage.
"You wouldn't be sitting with me if you were. Now quit moping!" Azula barked with her amber golden eyes forming a truly imposing glare that made the girl jump much to her delight.
"A-as Her Highness commands!" Elle agreed with a warm smile while clutching her mistress's leg once more.
"Such a good girl." Azula purred with her hand patting the blushing girl's head while her handmaid began to melt beneath her tending palm.
"I-I am relieved that you think so highly of me Princess." Elle mumbled while embracing the regal woman's leg before sighing blissfully.
"What I was trying to say is the both of them are wealthy, Mai even more so than Ty Lee. And as royalty, my wealth vastly transcends that of even the highest class of nobility. This of course means that I hold the distinction of being the richest woman in the world." Azula stated with a proud smile while gazing down at Elle's astonished face.
"Wow! That's amazing Azula-sama. I didn't know that you were the richest woman in the world!" Elle chirped with a look of childish awe in her young eyes.
"Perhaps, which brings me to my point. All of us are wealthier than your little mind could ever fathom. To put it bluntly. We are all rich and you are not…so why would you spend your gold on us?" Azula inquired with genuine curiosity lacing her voice while she glanced down at the girl resting adorably upon her knee.
"B-because you and my oneesans are my family now. You told me so yourself Princess." Elle remarked just as she peered up at the taken aback princess with a sunny smile.
"I suppose I did say that." Azula sighed while staring down at her handmaid with her brows furrowing in rising bewilderment.
"It doesn't matter to me if you are all wealthy and I am but a poor peasant girl. I cherish all three of you! This is my family now. I wish to do so because I care." Elle announced with her chest puffing out just as she gazed up at into surprised amber golden eyes.
"Because…you care about us?" Azula repeated in a contemplative manner while staring down at her servant with grudgingly fond eyes.
The girl saw her and her team as a family…with herself as the head and her subordinates as big sisters.
It was a fanciful notion but strangely it was a pleasing one all the same.
"Yep!" Elle exclaimed joyously before her smile widened when the princess's hand landed in her hair once more.
"Very well then Elle. I will accept that answer. Now, where were we? Mai and Ty Lee's likes." Azula commented just as she gracefully sipping at her tea.
"Yes! Their likes. Ty Lee likes pink…is that right?" Elle queried with a hand beneath her chin while peering up at the princess's comically dry expression.
"Yes. Ty Lee likes pink. She's easy enough to please. You two likely have similar tastes. I wager that you may even earn a hug or two." Azula stated while she gazed down at the girl propped up upon her knee.
"I like snuggling with oneesan Ty Lee!" Elle cheered with a happy nod while the princess glanced down at her with a twinge of jealously in her eyes.
"I am well aware. As for Mai…she doesn't like much. In fact, she hates just about everything. Just go with something miserable. That will likely make her happy." Azula instructed just as she set her cup down before folding her hands in her lap.
"Huh? Why would getting her something unhappy…make her happy?" Elle questioned while chewing her lip thoughtfully with her mistress petting her hair once more.
"Because she has a fondness for gloomy things. Think of her tastes as the opposite of Ty Lee's tastes." Azula explained with her fingers running through her petite handmaid's hair all the while enjoying having the girl kneeling before her throne.
"Oh, I think I understand." Elle answered in a yawn before peering up at the princess's now narrowed gaze with sweet amber eyes.
"Those eyes don't work on me peasant." Azula snorted callously while staring down at Elle's puppy dog face when the girl attempted to crawl into her lap.
"C-can I nap on your leg now Azula-sama?" Elle stammered with another yawn while continued to make her way for the princess's shapely thigh.
"You already had your lapnap several hours ago." Azula reminded sternly with her hand still resting in the whiny girl's hair.
"T-that's not fair Azula-sama. You didn't tell me that you would revoke my lapnap. I-I thought that I would get both…" Elle protested with a pouty countenance to which Azula simply rolled her eyes in response.
"Ugh. Fine. But no longer than one hour." Azula stated in a dismissive manner before finally allowing Elle to rest her head in what remained of her seat.
"Yes Mistress…only one hour." Elle muttered in mid-yawn all the while grasping at her mistress's thigh when a hand began to caress her hair once more.
"Mhm. That's my pet. So well behaved…" Azula trailed off with her lips curving into a pleased smile while the young girl clawed at her thigh once more.
"I am your good girl Azula-sama…I-I like to please you." Elle admitted with her face now pressing into the older woman's thigh.
"Believe me I've noticed. You enjoy bowing before me…" Azula trailed off with a refined smirk gracing her visage while she continued caressing her blushing handmaid's head.
All the while enjoying how the girl nuzzled her thigh like a kitten.
Her kitten.
"T-that's so Princess. Because I feel safe in your presence. I know…that you will protect me." Elle spoke shyly just as she lay her head upon the princess's thigh all the while yawning with a serene countenance.
Those were curious words to Princess Azula.
Words that she would never allow another person to say.
All but for this one.
"Oh, very well then. Find comfort in my presence if that is what you desire. I have already stated that you are under my protection. It wouldn't do to allow you to come to any harm…not when I've just taken an interest in you." Azula informed with her face resting in the palm of her hand while her amber golden gaze flickered down to the girl resting in her lap.
"Arigatou gozaimasu Azula-sama." Elle replied with an appreciative smile now adorning her lips.
"Take your lapnap Tiger Monkey. I'll wake you in one hour." Azula commanded just as she glanced down at Elle with a sliver of affection within her hardened eyes.
"Understood Azula-sama! In one hour!" Elle called out cheerfully before closing her eyes all the while delighting in the way that Azula patted her head.
"You belong to me girl." Azula remarked in a tone of finality while she held the girl's face into her thigh.
"Yours Princess." Elle mumbled contently with another noisy yawn before she sunk peacefully into the shapely thigh.
And just like that Elle drifted off into sleep with her relaxed breathing now producing very soft snores that had Azula gazing down at her with a possessive amber golden gaze.
"Such…a peculiar little thing you are." Azula sighed before turning away with her fingers still absentmindedly curling up in the young girl's hair.
She wasn't certain yet what to make of her fondness for this servant girl.
But she decided that she approved of the girl's company.
Two hours later.
The princess exited her study with a very sleepy Elle padding after her all the while rubbing at her still drowsy eyes.
"Come along Elle.' Azula ordered in an almost attentive manner while walking along with her hands folded behind her back.
"Yes Princess." Elle agreed with another prolonged yawn that incurred a stern glance from her mistress.
"Wake up!" Azula barked before snapping her fingers in her little admirer's face to which her handmaid speedily straightened much to her pleasure.
"S-sumimasen Azula-sama! Sumimasen!" Elle exclaimed while she bowed at the hip before her mistress.
"You've slept more than enough…well beyond your allotted hour." Azula remarked with her callous gaze peering down at the bowing girl.
"I…know. But I'm waking up now. I really am." Elle stated with a bright smile just as she resumed scurrying after Azula who was now gazing down at her rolling her eyes.
"You had best be servant. I will not tolerate anything less…than absolute flawlessness." Azula spoke in a pointed manner while glancing down at the girl with an imposing stare.
The meaning of the message was quite clear to Elle.
It was essentially a reminder that the comfort she enjoys behind closed doors would not be given before the eyes of others.
"Fear not Azula-sama! I am alert and ready for whatever may come my way." Elle cheered with pride in her voice before childishly puffing out her chest while peering up at the princess's deadpan countenance.
"Hm. I am sure you are." Azula snorted just before swiftly reaching down to seize the cheerful girl's bow tie.
Elle's gaze shifted down to the princess's hands promptly straightening her bow tie while she visibly deflated under Azula's scolding stare.
"Oh…I-I didn't notice that my bow was loose." Elle muttered with her shoulders slumping all while Azula gazed down at her with a stern yet grudgingly fond gaze.
Azula found that she was coming to enjoy all the little ways that her admirer needed her guidance.
"I can see that. But fortunately for you…I am here to manage your little life." Azula commented factually before releasing her grip on her handmaid while the petite girl peered up at her with a revived smile.
"Yes Azula-sama. I am the most fortunate girl in the world." Elle agreed while gazing up at the much taller woman with a bashful blush adorning her cheeks.
"Now come servant." Azula called out impassively before resuming her walk down the halls while Elle scurried after her.
"If Her Highness says follow! I follow." Elle quipped while she literally walked in the princess 's footsteps like a lost turtle duckling.
The princess did not reply while she glanced down at the girl from the corner of her vision.
She has long since decided that she approved of the girl's eagerness to follow after her much like a love-struck puppy.
The two continued to walk together with Azula always in the lead for about ten minutes before the princess slowed when she noticed a familiar man striding down the hall ahead of them.
Elle peered up at her mistress's back with a small trace of fear in her eyes upon seeing the general that grabbed her wrist.
But then she realized that there was no cause for fear.
Not while she was besides Princess Azula.
"General Bujing." Azula stated curtly with her icy gaze prompting the older man to rapidly turn around with a trace of worry in his eyes.
"Princess it is good to see you." Bujing responded with a bead of sweat dripping down his brow while he lowered himself to prostrate himself on the ground.
All the while as his golden eyes never failed to glance over the girl standing behind the princess.
The fact that the strange young girl was walking with Princess Azula did not bode well.
He was already beginning to regret so much as saying a word to the seemingly clueless servant girl.
"It seems that you've returned rather early. Are you already concluded with your mission in the east?" Azula pondered in an expertly probing voice with the young girl gazing up at her back.
As she stared coldly back down at the general as he momentarily prostrated himself on the floor in greeting to her.
"That is correct Your Highness. I have returned to oversee preparations for Sozin's Comet." Bujing stated as he raised his eyes from the floor while he met the princess's intimidating gaze.
"Sozin's Comet is four months away." Azula continued with her hand waving before her face while she watched the general rise back to his feet.
"It is never too early to make preparations…wouldn't you agree Princess?" Bujing inquired in a more composed manner while Azula tilted her head smiling in her usual manner.
"I suppose so. There is so much to tend to…" Azula trailed off with a sigh just as she shifted on her feet while her small servant waited patiently beside her.
"Indeed, there is. You see the situation astutely." Bujing replied with a nod only to shiver when the regal woman's cold gaze narrowed in a terrifying manner.
"Which is why I must ask. Don't you have more important things to do? As opposed to…impeding my dinner." Azula demanded in a frigid voice with her lips now pursing into a displeased frown.
The princess's casual announcement prompted Bujing to gaze between Azula and her young servant with evident fear in his eyes.
"I-I can assure you that I meant no personal offense Princess." Bujing spoke while the princess continued to scowl back at him.
"I was informed by Ty Lee that you saw fit to delay my dinner. Is that right?" Azula questioned in a tyrannous manner while her narrowed gaze never left the old man's worried countenance.
"I had no such intentions Princess! I noticed the foreign girl's improper behavior when she was prancing about the palace in a most unacceptable manner not befitting a servant of the Royal Family. Moreover…I was not aware that she was engaged in the retrieval of your dinner...not until Lady Mai brought it to my attention." Bujing explained with a hardened expression while staring at the skittish young girl standing beside her mistress.
Azula turned to glance down at Elle's mousy countenance while rolling her amber golden eyes as she did so.
Of all the servants in the palace to harp on, the girl was the least improper of them all.
"Unacceptable conduct?" Azula repeated in an impassive voice all while peering down at the girl's worried little eyes with a flicker of fondness in her gaze that reassured Elle that she was not angry.
"Yes, Princess. Were you not aware of the girl's erroneous behavior when she is working outside of your supervision? If I may add. I have never witnessed a royal servant behave in such a disgraceful manner." Bujing responded with a sneer while gazing at Elle's slumping shoulders unaware that he was only angering Azula even further.
That was when Elle timidly raised her hand to tug on the princess's sleeve in a way that signified how deep their developing bond was becoming.
"What is it servant?" Azula questioned while staring down at the girl's seemingly distraught face with curious amber golden eyes.
"May I speak Mistress?" Elle asked softly in a polite voice while Azula glanced down at her in approval.
"You may speak." Azula agreed to the old general's shock while she turned to gaze at the stunned veteran with her usual imposing stare.
"H-he lied Azula-sama. I told him that I was fetching your dinner and that was when he grabbed my wrist. He even tightened his grip instead of releasing me to attend to my duties." Elle announced in a mousy voice while the princess now glared at the outraged general.
"Filthy commoner how dare you…" Bujing hissed only to fall silent under the weight of Azula's callous glare.
"You lied directly to my face." Azula remarked in a disturbingly calm voice that sent shivers down Bujing's spine.
"Princess, you're not going to take the word of a commoner girl…over a veteran general, are you?" Bujing retorted with more sweat dripping down his brow while the woman continued to stare at him with a soul piercing gaze.
"Of course, I will. The girl is my most faithful servant. She is many things…naïve and perhaps a bit absent minded. But a liar? She is not a very good liar." Azula spoke with her palm waving in the air while the young girl now gazed up at her with emotional amber eyes.
The old general stood speechless while he stared at the petite servant girl with stunned golden eyes.
Elle gazed up at Azula's looming frame with a returning smile when the woman turned to meet her gaze once more.
"Bow before me servant." Azula commanded with her strict amber golden gaze peering down at her cheerful little handmaid.
"Yes Azula-sama! Always as you say. Forevermore as you command." Elle quipped as she bowed at the hip while her amber eyes gazed downward.
General Bujing was silent while Azula stared down at the young girl with her lovely lips curving into a pleased smirk.
"Improper General Bujing? This one is the most proper servant that I have ever had. So, she prances about like a carefree child. So, she is foreign. The girl gets her work done…each and every time without mistakes." Azula declared with her imposing countenance always glaring at the general's sweating face.
"As you say Princess. You see the situation correctly." Bujing agreed without delay while the woman still stared at him with terrifying amber golden eyes.
"I am glad that you see things my way. Because if my dinner should have a chill to it one more time…" Azula trailed off in a menacing voice while her eyes narrowed all the while making the old general nod rapidly.
"U-understood Princess! It was just a misunderstanding! It will not happen again." Bujing assured as he bowed down with his hands held together in their nation's hand symbol while the princess eyed him icily.
"Good. I suggest you focus your attentions on the war at hand. Not my servant's chipper scampering. You may go now." Azula concluded while eying the older man as he arose from his bow nodding in understanding.
"Yes, Your Highness. Good day to you." Bujing answered before swiftly turning to walk away with an expression of shock that had yet to leave his eyes.
He just couldn't believe that the princess had actually took a servant's side over his!
It was just downright baffling and even a good bit infuriating.
But he knew better than to go against Princess Azula over such a trivial matter.
Especially with her eventual coronation one day as the Heir to the Fire Lord as an almost certainty.
"Elle." Azula called out with a trace of amusement now lining her voice when she turned to survey the still bowing teenager.
"Yes Mistress?" Elle chirped with her arms still bent at her sides while she listened to the princess snort above her.
"You can move now." Azula informed with a gratified smirk gracing her lips while she peered down at the girl's radiant face.
"Oh? Okay!" Elle cried out before straightening once more with a sunny smile adorning her innocent face.
"Come. Let's go find Mai and Ty Lee. Then you'll see the royal physician once more…and after that. I will permit you to go shopping in the city as you requested." Azula instructed while resuming her walk with Elle quickly scampering after her heels.
"Wakarimashita!" Elle chimed with warm laughter lacing her voice while she rushed alongside the princess now gazing down at her through the corner of her eye.
"Yes servant…wakarimashita." Azula sighed while shaking her head fondly all the while the young girl continued to hurry after her.
About twenty minutes later Mai and Ty Lee were waiting for Azula as ordered in their usual palace gathering room.
Just when both women turned their heads after they noticed the princess walking in.
And by now it was not a surprise to see that Elle was scurrying in after her.
"Hi little sister!" Ty Lee shouted as she waving at their young companion standing happily beside Azula while the princess closed the door behind her.
"Hello oneesan!" Elle exclaimed with a sunny smile while she rushed over to greet the two women.
"Hi there Elle." Mai stated dryly while watching Elle promptly hug Ty Lee around the waist.
"Snuggle time!" Ty Lee gushed with a grin as she pulled the giggling girl into her arms.
All the while the princess strode over with her eyes narrowing in comical envy.
"Yay! Snuggles with my oneesan!" Elle yelled out with her face now being shoved in Ty Lee's chest.
All the while Mai observed from her seat in amusement over the strange scene.
"Ty Lee! Release my pet at once. Go get your own tiger monkey." Azula snapped in a supremely spoiled voice while she stood over the two with her hands on her shapely hips.
"Azula! How many times do I have to tell you that she's not a pet?" Ty Lee scolded with Elle in her lap with the regal woman now gazing down at her.
"I'll make you a deal Ty Lee. We'll ask Elle what she thinks. If she says no…then I will no longer address her as such." Azula remarked casually while her two-childhood friends were now gazing at her in deadpan.
"Whatever you do. Don't say yes to her!" Ty Lee urged in the smaller girl's ear.
"Are you pet my Elle?" Azula purred with her fingers resting beneath her chin while Elle stared up at her smiling as brightly as can be.
"Yes! I am whatever Her Highness deems me." Elle answered happily all the while beaming up at her princess's now wolfish grin.
Ty Lee nearly fell out of her seat as she gazed down at the young girl sighing all the while.
Mai said nothing while she gazed over with bored tawny eyes.
"Hm. And there you have it. The girl agrees." Azula commented before striding to seat herself in her throne with her lips curving into a content smirk.
"So…what's on the agenda for today?" Mai pondered while she turned to the princess now seated in her throne.
"Servant fill my drink." Azula called out in an entitled manner while observing with gratified eyes when Elle leaped to her feet much to Ty Lee's protest.
"That's not fair Azula. We were snuggling." Ty Lee grumbled with her arms folded over her bust.
"Someone has to pour my drink. It isn't going to pour itself." Azula stated with an entitled wave of her hand while watching Elle begin pouring her a drink smiling all the while.
"Um…you could pour it yourself." Ty Lee suggested just as she began playing with her braided hair while she gazed pointedly at the princess's incredulous face.
"What! You expect the Crown Princess of the Fire Nation to pour her own drink? Absurd! I absolutely expect to be waited on hand and foot at all times." Azula barked in a hubristic manner while she now reclined with her drink in hand.
The two noblewomen just stared at their leader in an exasperated manner all the while knowing that it was futile to argue the issue.
"Don't worry Azula-sama! Your loyal servant is ready and reporting for duty!" Elle declared with her chest puffing out adorably before saluting the amused princess.
"Such a splendid girlfriend." Azula cooed in a pleased voice while sipping at her beverage with a smug smirk adorning her lips.
"Azula…girlfriends aren't supposed to be slaves." Ty Lee reasoned while the young girl now stood blushing with a hand on her cheek.
That was when all three women observed the petite girl withdraw her silly diary while Azula turned to survey her with approving amber golden eyes.
"A good girlfriend…is always there to pour Azula-sama her drink…" Elle trailed off with her hand clutching her pen while she chewed on her lip thoughtfully.
"So good. I think you deserve a praline for your exemplary behavior." Azula announced with her chin in the palm of her hand while she watched her little handmaid begin to bounce in excitement.
"Can I please have my praline Azula-sama! Please!" Elle squealed with her hands clasping at her robes while three women observed her jump up and down in amusement.
"Hm. I suppose I could allow it." Azula stated with a casual shrug of her shoulders while reaching for the box of pralines.
"Y-you're so good to me Princess." Elle stammered innocently just as she accepted her treat.
"Anyhow to answer your question Mai. Seeing as that we are leaving tomorrow morning. Given the recent developments regarding Elle's condition…I have decided that it is only prudent to have her examined once more before we depart. She'll be seeing the royal physician shortly." Azula explained in a stoic manner while glancing at the young girl taking a seat beside her.
"Recent developments?" Mai inquired with a raised brow while she and Ty Lee stared at Elle with a margin of concern in their eyes.
"Servant…perhaps you would care to explain your brilliant decision for me?" Azula questioned wryly while she peered at the girl's reddening face with taunting amber golden eyes.
"U-uh…" Elle trailed off with a stutter while she sunk in shame under the woman's reproachful stare.
"Azula…what are you talking about?" Ty Lee asked in a concerned voice while she eyed the young girl nibbling on her treat.
"Mhm. It is quite simple Ty Lee. You see, I have discovered that free will is actually quite toxic for this one here. She is clearly unfit to make her own choices. I mean…just look at the girl. If anyone is better off in slavery…it's her." Azula sighed lazily before folding her legs while gesturing to their young companion bashful little face.
Mai and Ty Lee exchanged a glance with each other while they tried to suppress the shiver that they both felt after hearing the princess's disturbing statement.
"Y-you are really taking this whole dominance thing too far…. you know, that right?" Ty Lee inquired while meeting her childhood friend's callous gaze with clear worry in her brown-gray eyes.
"Evidently not. Given the fact that the girl neglected to tell me that she takes pills for chest pains incurred by her medical condition." Azula replied while staring hard at Elle now seemingly trying to shrink away once more.
The announcement quickly gathered the two noble-women's attention as they turned to stare at the girl in rising worry.
"You get chest pains from your breathing condition Elle?" Ty Lee spoke with a frown while Elle gave her a mousy nod in confirmation.
"I do." Elle replied in an offhand manner that took the others aback.
"Why didn't you tell Azula? I mean…though she may have a strange way of showing it…she does like you." Ty Lee pondered while the princess sipped her drink with her eyes closed in an attempt to act like she didn't care.
"Because talking about it is dwelling on it. And I would prefer not to dwell on it. That… and I was worried that Azula-sama would kick me out if she knew how bad it was." Elle admitted while averting her eyes from their curious gazes.
"Azula isn't going to kick you out. Under any circumstances." Ty Lee assured just as she directed the woman in question a pointed stare.
"And yet…I would have found out sooner or later anyhow. In the meantime, these pains would only continue to grow as a result of hiding this from me. Does that seem smart to you Elle?" Azula queried in her usual rigid voice while staring at her young servant with scrutinizing amber golden eyes.
"N-no." Elle mumbled lamely while she flinched under the princess's scolding stare.
"Now show me these pills. Now!" Azula commanded just as she snapped her fingers loudly in the now panicked girl's face while her two friends observed sighing.
"Yes Princess! Right away!" Elle cried out just as she bent over to fish through her backpack while the princess gazed down at her smirking smugly.
"Should you really be making a girl with a breathing condition hop about on command?" Mai asked with a trace of concern to her voice.
"Please, the girl spends most of her time sleeping." Azula snorted with a roll of her eyes while she gazed down when the girl dropped a pill bottle in her lap.
"I have around two months' worth…" Elle trailed off vaguely while the princess began to inspect the bottle with her lips pursing into a displeased frown.
"This is unacceptable! I will not tolerate insufficient breathing!" Azula bellowed while pointing a finger in Elle's gulping face.
"Sumimasen Azula-sama!" Elle cried out while she clutched at her praline all the while falling back into her seat with the princess's finger jabbing her in the forehead.
"Elle has no control over her breathing Azula." Ty Lee spoke with a sigh only for the other noblewoman to shake her head.
"Waste of breath." Mai stated bluntly all the while gazing at the young girl with a sliver of pity when the princess continued to lean over her.
"I command you to change it for me!" Azula snapped while she towered over the girl's comically distraught face.
"B-but how do I change it Princess?" Elle pondered with a nervous gulp while she peered up at Azula's narrowing eyes with her heart racing all the while.
The two noblewomen could only stare on humorously when they watched their adopted sister gaze up at the princess as if such a thing was possible.
"I will not allow this to continue anymore. I henceforth declare that you are forbidden to pant! If you do. You will be punished!" Azula announced with an underlying twinge of sadism while she narrowed her amber golden eyes down at Elle's dainty little face.
"Forbidden Azula?" Ty Lee questioned while scratching her cheek while she glanced at her little sister with a sympathetic gaze.
"I don't want to be punished Azula-sama. I will do my best to change it!" Elle assured with a timid nod while the regal woman finally smirked down at her in a spellbinding manner.
"You had better Elle. I will not tolerate anything less than absolute flawlessness. As my girlfriend…you have high standards to live up to. Try not to disappoint me." Azula spoke before patting the handmaid's head with her domineering eyes conveying her developing fondness for the girl.
"I'll be the best girl that I can be for you Princess!" Elle cheered with a sunny smile while gazing at the princess with boundless love in her eyes.
"Good girl. Sekim should be here shortly." Azula stated while removing her hand from her servant's head before sighing under her breath.
About thirty minutes later…
Elle stood by an exam table while Azula sat supervising her examination.
The royal physician went about his job all the while trying not to shiver under the weight of the princess's staring eyes.
Not to mention the fact that Ty Lee was frowning in dislike over his remarks from the prior day.
"Well?" Azula demanded with a scowl almost like that of an impatient parent while she stared at the scene with callous amber golden eyes.
"A chi reading may determine the cause of the problem." Sekim answered while turning to face the princess seated upon her throne.
"Why didn't you just say so on the first visit?" Azula questioned with her lips pursing into a tight scowl while she glared at the man's paling face.
"B-because the cost would be exorbitant. Not to mention that the girl would have to visit one of the Fire Nation University Hospitals in either the Capital or Fire Mountain to receive treatment." Sekim explained with sweat dripping down his brow.
"I distinctly recall telling you that cost is not a concern." Azula snapped with her eyes narrowing at the royal physician while the girl gazed back at her with a shy smile adorning her lips.
The two noblewomen exchanged a knowing glance well aware that the unfortunate man was about to be dismissed.
"I-I understand Princess and I have arranged a treatment for her to take in her chamber that will stabilize her breathing at night. It's just that anything further will cost the price of twenty servants that could serve you in her place." Sekim spoke with a pale countenance all while Azula eyed him with increasingly callous amber golden eyes.
"I have already stated that I want this one. No other servant will suffice. You will install this new treatment…and after that you are dismissed from her case. And your post in Hari Bulkan as well." Azula declared before arising to her feet with her arms folding over her breasts.
"A-arigatou gozaimasu Azula-sama." Elle mumbled out with a soft smile while her eyes fell down to her feet while the woman began to stride over.
"B-but." Sekim protested only to shiver under the woman's unforgiving glare.
"I have no use for anyone incapable of following my orders! Now leave!" Azula barked with her eyes narrowing dangerously while blue flames suddenly roared to life behind her.
The very visage of Azula standing with her blue flames flanking her imposing countenance was so intimidating that the old man turned and sprinted for the door.
"Y-yes Princess!" Sekim called out in a terrified voice before dashing through the door while the two noblewomen observed him flee in amusement.
"That was a little harsh Azula." Ty Lee stated casually while gazing at her adopted little sister just as the princess stood over the girl.
"Please. What good is a royal physician that refrains from utilizing ever tool at his disposal. Besides…I had already thought of a chi reading myself before that fool even spoke of it. He was of no use to us." Azula remarked with her hands resting on her hips while Elle peered up at her smiling bashfully all the while.
"That man wasn't as smart as you Azula-sama! You're clearly a better physician than he is!" Elle exclaimed with her hands grasping at her sleeves while Azula swelled in pride over the innocent praise.
"Azula isn't a physician. What she does is the opposite of healing." Mai commented in her usual monotone manner.
"I am the best at everything girl. And don't you forget it!" Azula shouted while pointing a domineering finger down at the young girl's adorably nodding face.
"I-I will never forget it. I am so happy that you are here to guide me Azula-sama. I just know that you'll never steer me wrong." Elle spoke with endless trust in her voice just as she began to trot after the princess.
"Hm. Just do as I say and the outcome will be to your benefit." Azula answered while glancing down at her petite servant's sunny smile.
"Yes, always as Her Highness commands." Elle agreed innocently while her big sisters watched the scene at hand.
"Ty Lee!" Azula yelled out while Ty Lee gazed over at her sighing.
"What is it now Azula?" Ty Lee pondered whilst musing that the two were surprisingly cute together.
"This little tiger monkey wants to go shopping with her coin. I have a meeting to attend to…so I'll be appointing you as my proxy. Take the girl to the market." Azula announced with a lazy wave of her hand while Ty Lee's face broke out into a broad grin as she surveyed Elle's timidly blushing countenance.
"Of course, I'll take Elle shopping! What about you Mai? Are you coming?" Ty Lee quipped with a cheerful smile while turning to her groaning friend.
"I hate shopping." Mai complained in a moody voice while she listened to Ty Lee giggle.
"You hate everything. But even so…take heart Mai. You get to remain here with me." Azula stated with her arms folded over her bust.
"Joy..." Mai sighed with another shake of her head.
"Let's go have a good time little sister!" Ty Lee shouted just as she leaped into the air before landing before their astonished young companion.
"Yes! A good time with my oneesan!" Elle cried out while Ty Lee grinned down at her while she mussed her hair.
"Be certain that you keep a close watch over her. Leash her if need be." Azula commanded with her fingers curling up beneath her chin all the while staring down at her pet's innocent little face.
"I'll watch over her Azula…without a leash." Ty Lee agreed with a sigh while Elle smiled up at her before turning back to the stoic princess.
"I'll miss you Azula-sama…." Elle trailed off shyly while the woman glanced down at her snorting in a haughty manner.
"You will only be away for two hours at most." Azula scoffed with yet another roll of her elegant eyes.
"Two hours is too long to be without my princess charming." Elle retorted sweetly while the princess eyed her before sighing under her breath.
"Just go spend your coin. You can serve me more when you return." Azula instructed just as she turned away while waving at the two as they left.
"Yes, Your Highness! I will serve you more when I return!" Elle agreed exuberantly while Ty Lee began to usher her away tucked under her arm.
"Oh, and Ty Lee. Make sure that the girl doesn't give away the entire bag of gold for a candy." Azula called out while meeting her friend's amused gaze.
"Right! I'll look after her!" Ty Lee shouted while hugging the smaller girl to her side while they walked out.
The fact that Azula even concerned herself with the girl's ban was even more proof of the princess's budding affections for Elle.
And if you asked Ty Lee it was just too cute.
After they left Azula glanced at her clock on the wall before turning to the apathetic woman's gazing at her with mild curiosity.
"What was that you said about a meeting?" Mai questioned with her arms folded over her bust while her leader strode back to her throne.
"A famous soldier is coming to report to me personally…regarding the information that she's gathered on the enemy. Our upcoming mission is in part based upon her findings…" Azula trailed off with her expression overtaking a more ruthless countenance.
"Eh? A single soldier? That is surprising Azula. It's not like you to meet with random soldiers...or royal servants for that matter." Mai stated while she watched the princess seat herself once more.
"Only the most exceptional soldiers are worthy of an audience with me." Azula stated in a supremely hubristic voice as she let the quip regarding her handmaid slide.
"Of course." Mai commented dryly while Azula began to sip her wine once more.
"In any case, this is no ordinary soldier and she is without doubt exceptional. She is a captain of the Imperial Firebenders…of noble lineage. And she is known for being a particular admirer of mine." Azula remarked with a wave of her hand while a pleased smile adorned her lips.
As her friend now gazed at her with a flicker of surprise in her tawny eyes.
"Zoi Song. The Generalkiller." Mai muttered with unhidden distaste in her voice that the princess ignored.
"That's her. Zoi the Dragon of the Song Clan. Although I personally prefer her other nickname. Have you heard about her? She is inspired by me. She has even proclaimed many of her victories as dedications in my name as tributes in my honor as her princess." Azula boasted in a clearly delighted voice while she rested her arm on the side of her throne.
As she gazed at her aloof friend with a sophisticated smirk now gracing her lips.
"Yes, I've heard Azula." Mai answered dully while Azula continued to gaze ahead with an unnervingly confident expression on her face.
Nearly ten minutes later.
Azula turned her head upon hearing the sounds of an approaching squad of Imperial Firebenders.
However, unlike the usual Royal Procession.
This particular squadron wore lighter armor instead of the usual heavy armor just like their leader.
"Captain!" An Imperial Firebender exclaimed to the advancing captain in greeting.
Zoi stood at an intimidating height wearing the armor of the Royal Procession.
She was wearing a helmet without a face mask which signified her position as a captain among the Royal Procession.
She appeared to be a woman of around twenty-five years of age.
She had a sword sheathed at her right hip and a shield strapped to her back.
And she had piercing golden eyes that could make most soldiers sweat in fear.
And lastly in her right hand she was holding a small sack with small objects clanging about inside.
"All of you clear out. Go look important somewhere else." Zoi ordered in a dismissive voice while she swiftly brushed past her subordinates.
Then a polite rapping on the door followed soon after while the princess waved her hand in the air.
"You may enter." Azula called out in an authoritative voice while she stared at the door with a flicker of intrigue in her imposing amber golden gaze.
The door opened in response while the princess and her bored companion watched a young woman step in.
She promptly closed the door behind her before turning her trained gaze to the princess seated upon her throne.
She removed her helmet which then revealed that her dark hair was cropped short and curiously flowing free of the traditional top-knot
And then Zoi swiftly lowered herself as she prostrated herself on the floor with her helmet in hand while Azula observed her with approving amber golden eyes.
"Captain Zoi of the Imperial Firebenders. We meet properly at long last." Azula greeted in a pleased voice with blue flames flanking her visage while she surveyed the kowtowing woman.
"Princess Azula, I am honored that you accepted my request for a personal audience." Zoi responded while she gazed up at Azula sitting with her legs crossed over one another.
"The last time I saw you was one year ago when I deployed you on a mission to hunt the Order of the White Lotus. I trust that you are still hunting the Order of the White Lotus as I commanded you to do?" Azula spoke in a voice of royal authority with her arms resting on the sides of her chair while she gestured for the warrior to stand.
And then Zoi arose to her feet as she bent over in a bow while she held her hands together in the customary position.
"I have done as you commanded Princess, and I have much to report in that regard. But before we get to that. Do I sit or stand?" Zoi pondered as she straightened with her golden eyes glancing ahead with confidence that the average soldier was lacking.
Both Azula and Mai were a bit taken aback by the woman's subtle way of stating that she wanted to sit.
Very few soldiers would even have the bravery to ask Azula to her face if they could sit down in her presence.
"Is that a request or a demand?" Azula inquired with her imposing eyes observing Zoi shrug her shoulders.
"It is whatever you perceive it to be Your Highness. You are my Crown Princess after all. You have the first and final say…on any and all matters in any interaction between us." Zoi remarked with her hair swaying behind her while Azula held a finger to her chin.
"I like that answer. You may sit…for the time being. But I have to ask. I can't help but notice that you are wearing your hair down…" Azula trailed off in a curious voice as she glanced at Zoi while the woman seated herself across the table.
"May I speak bluntly Princess?" Zoi asked with a startlingly relaxed demeanor as she set her helmet down while the princess eyed her with a callous gaze.
"That all depends on what you have to say." Azula replied in a tone of slight amusement that indicated that she found the woman entertaining.
"Well then, for the duration of this meeting I shall do just that. If I displease you at any point…you can always have me killed. It will be much simpler for the both of us. As for my hair. I don't wear my hair in a top-knot. I don't like the way it looks on me. I find it stupid and restricting." Zoi announced without pause while meeting the princess's rather taken aback amber golden gaze.
It went without saying that the warrior's upfront behavior was a bit of a shock to both Azula and Mai.
And it was the first time that they have come across a fellow Fire National that flat out refused to wear their hair in the traditional top-knot.
"You are a peculiar soldier. But not without your merits…thus far you've served me and my family well. I will permit this…provided you do not disappoint me." Azula agreed with her signature smirk while gazing back at the warrior's now slightly smiling face.
"Come now Your Highness. We both know that the reason that I hold this position is not because of the way I wear my hair. And it certainly isn't because people find me amusing." Zoi answered just as she leaned back in her seat now with her lips curving into a proud smile.
Mai couldn't help but shiver as she gazed between Azula and Zoi.
She was already beginning to see just why the princess had taken a liking to Zoi.
"I have a few guesses as to why that might be." Mai said in her usual monotone while glancing at the short haired woman's sanguine countenance.
"Oh, it isn't?" Azula questioned with feigned ignorance while staring at the captain's growingly confident face.
"It's because I am good at killing people. I mean…let's be honest here." Zoi declared while chuckling in an unnervingly laid-back manner just as she withdrew a flask from beneath her cloak.
The warrior's declaration sent yet another shiver down Mai's spine.
If only for the fact that it was evident that Azula approved of the woman's casual talk of killing.
"Your reputation certainly proceeds you. Blunt, and merciless. I can see that I chose well when I dispatched you to investigate the rumors behind the Avatar's survival." Azula responded with a cold smirk of her own while she watched Zoi take an unabashed drink of her flask.
"What can I say Princess? My skill in combat has brought me this far. And…my family name certainly hasn't hurt in that regard. But enough about that. Let's get to the heart of the matter…I've spent an entire year away hunting the rebels. And now…I leave with you…tomorrow to hunt the Avatar. Joy. Joy. Joy." Zoi sighed without shame all the while the princess now eyed her with a reproachful stare.
"I suggest that you remember that I am your princess soldier. My tolerance of your free-spoken behavior has a limit." Azula snapped with her frigid amber golden eyes narrowing back at her captain's relaxed face.
"Oh, believe me Your Highness. I do not dispute that. My princess you are. I sit here because I am good at what I do and because my family name has bolstered me along the way. Not…because I am known for having much regard for tradition." Zoi explained with a tilt of her head while Azula sat with her imposing face gazing back at her.
"We can agree on that. Not that I am one to judge." Mai stated while she scanned her fingers nails in a disinterested manner.
"But…fortunately for me my efforts were not in vain." Zoi continued before raising the brown sack before the princess's curious amber golden eyes.
"You've piqued my interest, Captain. What is in that sack?" Azula inquired smoothly with a calmer demeanor while she watched the woman spill its contents onto the tabletop.
Both the princess and her gloomy companion gazed on in confusion when a large array of small medals abruptly scattered across the tables marble surface.
"Medals Princess, collected from the Order of the White Lotus…led by your uncle." Zoi stated with a wave of her hand while Azula glanced up once more with her eyes widening marginally.
They had initially learned of the existence of the Order of the White Lotus after they investigated a series of covert attacks on their Earth Kingdom posts.
Only to discover that the culprits were a hidden ancient order dedicated to protecting the Avatar.
"I see that my fuddy-duddy uncle still persists in his treason. How typical." Azula snorted with an elegant roll of her eyes while recovering from her surprise.
"That is a lot of medals…" Mai trailed off in taken back voice while marveling at the many badges spilled out before them.
"They won't be needing them…not where they've gone. The dead…have no need for medals." Zoi announced with yet another prideful shrug while her princess glanced back at her with a pleased smile now adorning her lovely lips.
"You've killed this many?" Azula purred with her fingers now rubbing her chin all the while surveying Zoi with impressed eyes.
"Correct Princess. Although I won't deny that a vast majority of those are just low-ranking recruits. I did land one fine catch…" Zoi trailed off with a smug smile while Azula gazed at her in curious approval.
"Oh? Is it my uncle by any chance?" Azula pondered with a smirk only to sigh when Zoi shook her head.
She should have expected that much. Her tea loving uncle was many things but weak was not one of them.
"No. But almost as good. I've captured one of your uncle's comrades…and a leading member of the Order of the White Lotus." Zoi informed proudly while the princess smiled even wider than before clearly pleased by her efforts.
"Good Captain Zoi. Very good." Azula commented in a wicked voice just as she began to chuckle in delight.
All the while Mai listened with a sense of suppressed unease.
"Now he hasn't spoken yet. But I am confident that I can make him talk. But even then. I have already gleamed this much. Take a look Your Highness." Zoi replied just as she set a scroll down on the tabletop while Azula stared down at it with sadistic curiosity in her eyes.
Then without further delay the warrior unrolled the document before the eyes of her small audience.
Even Azula seemed grudgingly amazed by Zoi's keenness for detail.
Before their eyes was a detailed map that depicted the traveling patterns of the Avatar and the Order of the White Lotus.
"I have found…that with the appropriate persuasion you can convince people to forsake even their own comrades. The enemies travel patterns have been confirmed by the last White Lotus squadron that I captured. And this…is where they are headed. This is our chance to ambush them and make them pay for their brazen invasion of our nation! And end the war!" Zoi exclaimed while gazing at her princess's contemplative face with motivated golden eyes.
"You've impressed me soldier. You have truly earned your nickname." Azula spoke at long last while she set her palms on her lap before raising her stern gaze once more.
"Generalkiller wasn't it?" Mai pondered with a stony countenance only for the taunt to have no effect on the other woman's relaxed expression.
"No, not that one. They also call her. Princess Azula's Warrior." Azula answered in a silken purr while Mai gazed back at her rolling her tawny eyes.
"It is a nickname that I wear with pride Princess." Zoi insisted in a proud voice while glancing at the princess's pleased amber golden gaze.
"Accompany me tomorrow…my captain and I shall see to it that you are well rewarded for your service." The princess assured just as she set down her empty wine cup before resting her hands over her belly.
"Once more you honor me. But I am not concerned with rewards. Reward me as you see fit Princess. Or don't. It's all the same to me." Zoi stated with a dismissive wave of her hand while Azula gazed at her somewhat taken aback.
"Not many soldiers would say those words." Azula remarked in a satisfied voice all the while staring at Zoi's dedicated visage.
"What can I say? My way of doing things…is rather unorthodox. Which is why I am going to speak bluntly once more. And then I will take my leave." Zoi informed with a sigh while resting her hand on the tabletop.
"Very well then. Say your piece." Azula sighed just as she reclined on her throne all the while finding her thoughts briefly drifted to her young admirer.
It was strangely flattering to know that at this very moment.
The girl was almost surely scampering through the royal market searching for gifts to give all three of her 'family' members.
"Like Mai I am from one of the noble clans that serve as regional governors for the Royal Family. The difference between your friend and me is that there are certain…perspectives that I will tell you. And she will not." Zoi announced with her words incurring a glare from the noblewomen in question and an inquisitive stare from her princess.
'What is she playing at?' Mai thought with a frown while turning to the princess's intrigued countenance.
"And what might that be?" Azula questioned with her lips pursed into a slight frown all the while eying her friend's composed face.
"Many of the noble clans are growing weary of funding this seemingly endless century long war. They wish for an end to the war by no later than Sozin's Comet." Zoi responded casually while never flinching at the anger that was now brewing in Azula's icy eyes.
Even one as apathetic as Mai couldn't help but flinch in surprise that Zoi had the gall to state as such to Azula's face.
"Do they now? Consider me curious…are you making a statement or simply relaying another's words?" Azula hissed while narrowing her eyes back at her grudgingly skilled soldier.
"I am trying to give you advice. Once more Princess…take it as you wish. But we both know that the war effort against the Avatar would be greatly weakened if the noble clans unanimously decided to use their influence to abandon the war." Zoi explained with a sigh while staring back at the Crown Princess's rising scowl.
It was damn apparent to Azula that Zoi was relaying a message.
A message that was almost certainly coming from Zoi's mother.
Yoko.
She was the head of the most powerful noble clan in the Fire Nation.
The Song clan.
She was also a highly decorated former general renowned for her service under her grandfather Azulon back when he was Fire Lord.
She had been widely favored by her grandfather and he held her in high regard as one of his greatest generals.
She became famous for the many great military victories that she won for the Fire Nation during her grandfather's reign.
She was now retired from the military.
And she was now the governor of Fire Mountain.
The second largest and most fortified city in the Fire Nation after the Capital.
And the woman was by far the most powerful and influential noble in all of the Fire Nation.
"Scowl at me if you please but you know that I'm right. They are sick of spending their gold, and sick of sending their people away to die in a prolonged conquest. As the old saying goes…forewarned is forearmed. Now you know." Zoi spoke before gazing lazily up at the ceiling all the while blue fires once more lit up all around her.
"I would like to see how candid these dissenters would be to my face. One wonders if they would have the courage to repeat that verbatim." Azula sneered with fire spewing from her lips while her imposing glare never left Zoi's annoyingly relaxed face.
"I speculate that they would say the same Princess. Old relics the bulk of them. From my observations…when one becomes old and gray, they become shockingly obtuse and stunningly fearless. They are already withering. Why would they fear you or your father? They'll soon spend their final moments shitting in their own beds. Quaint. I know." Zoi remarked with a playful smile while peering back at the princess's face now scrunching up in disgust.
While Mai observed Azula's comical reaction to Zoi's crass language.
"I thank you for your colorful description soldier! It truly is of a great use to me. Why would I consider myself with the dying…when new heads will follow shortly?" Azula snorted with a regal frown still gracing her lips.
"The old and dying have nothing to lose Princess. They won't have to face the consequences of their actions but we will. In that regard, we're actually in the same boat you and I." Zoi commented while she turned to meet the princess's scoffing gaze.
"We're in the same boat you and I?" Azula repeated with yet another derisive snort while she continued to survey her captain with a returning amusement in her cold eyes.
"Mhm. For as long as Prince Zuko remains unaccounted for your position as heir to the throne remains…a precarious one. Furthermore, there are many at court that believe that your father intends to live a long reign. Just as your grandfather Fire Lord Azulon did. Once more Princess…I am just the messenger." Zoi answered with a wave of her hands while the princess stared onward with glacial amber golden eyes.
"I am the Heir to the Fire Lord and the one who will succeed my father." Azula snapped with a narrow of her amber golden eyes while she thunderously slammed her fist down upon the tabletop.
As she did so a great plume of blue fire shot forth from behind her while Zoi observed with a respectful countenance.
"If I may be honest once more Princess. You are my ideal choice to succeed as Fire Lord. Your brother is…well bluntly put weak. It would be quite the sight…seeing blue fire lighting the walls of the throne room." Zoi confessed just as she rose to her feet while Azula gazed on with a graceful smirk now adorning her features.
"Your devotion pleases me. You have served me well Captain Zoi….and you will continue to do so when I sit the throne." Azula stated with a wave of her hand while glancing at the now standing soldier.
"You honor me, Princess. And that is why as your loyal captain I suggest you take steps to ensure that you are the one to inherit that throne. It is just as I told you, our circumstances are not as different as you think. You don't want the beginning of the eventual reign of Fire Lord Azula to be marked with another twenty or thirty years of war." Zoi declared while staring across the long table at the princess's flame lit visage.
"No. I suppose not. That would be irksome. Though I fail to see how your personal circumstances correlate to mine." Azula scoffed with a roll of her eyes all the while thoughts of her secret girlfriend began to flow into her mind.
She began to realize that she was actually looking forward to getting to know Elle over these next few years.
And strange as it may be…she didn't want her time with the girl to be marred by never-ending warfare.
"Oh, that's simple. I'll be the one to clean up their shit when they die. The complaining noble clans would look for a well decorated soldier…like myself to mediate any further disputes with you. And that Princess…would the biggest pain in my ass." Zoi concluded with a prolonged sigh while throwing her hands up in a melodramatic manner.
"Please. You would be lucky to even be limping out of a 'mediation' with me." Azula boasted with another haughty snort while folding her palms over her belly once more.
"If I may be forthright with you Your Highness. The entire reason why I joined the Royal Procession was to circumvent the drama of politics. I much prefer the glory of the battlefield." Zoi confessed just as she walked forward with her princess watching her with an unyielding gaze.
"Hm. Stay loyal to me Zoi. And I shall ensure that everything is to your liking." Azula spoke with a revived smirk upon her lips.
Just before she watched her warrior drop down and prostrate herself in reverence before the foot of her throne.
"For the honor of both my princess and my country I shall see this war brought to a desirable conclusion!" Zoi yelled out with a hand over her armored chest while Azula glanced down at her with approving amber golden eyes.
And even though Azula wouldn't admit it aloud she began to realize that she enjoyed this soldier's boundless pride in their nation.
In that regard…they saw eye to eye.
"The Avatar and the Order of the White Lotus will both be broken upon the battlefield! This I vow! No matter how many corpses I must tread upon to make it so!" Zoi called out before she swiftly rose to her feet with her helmet in hand.
As her princess stared at her with her lips curving into a smile of approval.
"I approve of your pride in our nation soldier. Now go rest up for the remainder of the day. You're going to need it…we're leaving bright and early." Azula announced with a lazy wave of her hand while she watched the woman turn to head for the door.
"So generous and yet so cruel at the same time. Tomorrow morning then Princess." Zoi replied before closing the door behind her.
As Azula observed the woman depart with a beyond gratified smirk on her lips.
She couldn't help but feel pleased over her first meeting with her prized captain.
"Ugh. There is something seriously wrong with that woman." Mai grunted with a frown while Azula turned to her with her brows furrowing incredulously.
"I absolutely do not agree with you. Captain Zoi is the ideal soldier. She is simply proud of her nation and I for one approve of her." Azula proclaimed with a resolute nod while the other woman eyed her with her usual deadpan stare.
"I figured that you would." Mai stated while she turned away with her distaste flashing in her tawny eyes.
"Spare me the drama. You disdain everything." Azula scoffed with a roll of her eyes before gazing down at her lap to find that its vacancy seemed to bother her.
It was strange but she found that she was coming to enjoy it when Elle sat at her feet and she didn't even mind it when her handmaid slept in her lap.
And even stranger…
She found herself mood was noticeably fouler in the girl's absence.
Azula folded her hands over her belly before snorting out a small puff of blue flames.
She wanted her pet back to help calm her irate mood.
Such a curious little thing…
To think that this girl managed to work her way into her heart of all places.
AN:
Zoi will have a big part to play in the story as Azula's lieutenant and her prominence will increase as we delve into the war stuff. And Elle's medical issues will be also be explored in the coming chapters.
I would also like to take a moment to lay out some information pertaining to the noble clans that are featured in the story.
When I began this story, there was almost no information on Fire Nation nobility in canon. There were no clan names or anything about specific families. We knew that Mai and Ty Lee are nobility and that was it.
Then after they came out with the Shadow of Kyoshi, they gave names to Fire Nation noble clans, and backgrounds such as what parts of the Fire Nation that each family came from.
I started writing this story almost a year and a half before that information came out. So, I came up with my own system for the Fire Nation nobility, I gave names to previous unnamed noble families (such as Mai and Ty Lee's), and I created clans of my own.
In my expanded lore there are many noble clans in both the military and various positions in the government.
There are regional governors of different areas of the Fire Nation from different noble clans that serve under the royal family.
And while there are many noble families in the Fire Nation. Only the noble governors that are appointed directly by the Fire Lord get to have governorship over a region of the Fire Nation.
The status of a governor can change at any time if the governor in question or anyone in their family should displease the Fire Lord.
Two of the noble clans whose heads are regional governors are Zoi's family, and Mai's family. Mai is from the Saolin clan and Zoi is obviously from the Song clan.
And the name of Ty Lee's family is the Wan clan.
Zoi is also Azula's strongest soldier, and she is a captain of her own squad of specially trained soldiers from the Royal Procession.
The Song clan is the strongest noble clan in the Fire Nation by far, and the most dedicated to ending the war in the favor of the Fire Nation.
And as demonstrated in this chapter, while the royal family has complete control over the military. The noble clans still possess a great deal of influence, especially the Song clan. We'll get to see other noble clans when we reach the war arcs later on in the story.