Please read the note at the bottom! Thanks!
Comfort and Flames – Chapter Twenty-Three
Several hours later…
Azula now sat in her throne scanning a page of notes on one of her new techniques with calculated proficiency.
All the while her callous amber golden eyes flickered to watch her loyal companion diligently pour her another cup of wine.
Much to her sadistic amusement the girl was now laboring with even more enthusiasm than before.
She almost felt something akin to remorse knowing that her handmaid's efforts were all in vain.
Almost.
"Have I earned a snuggle yet Azula-sama?" Elle pondered sweetly with a hopeful countenance while she stood faithfully beside her mistress's throne.
Azula glanced at the girl through the corner of her eye with the barest hints of something similar to affection in her hardened stare.
"No. Not yet. But you know what they say about never giving up on your dreams." Azula remarked in a supremely smug voice while she took a satisfied drink of her wine.
"I won't give up Mistress. I strive to be the most snuggable girlfriend that I can be for you." Elle quipped while the princess rolled her elegant amber golden eyes.
"You are such a childish little thing...but fortunately for you I am here to make your decisions for you." Azula commented just as she reclined lazily in her throne while she suddenly smiled in a pleased manner when two soft hands began to massage her neck.
"I know. And I couldn't be happier." Elle agreed with a warm giggle while she leaned over the arm of Azula's throne with her palms carefully kneading her mistress's neck.
The princess sunk back upon her backside with a content sigh escaping her lips while she allowed her palms to fall into her lap.
This girl…is such a good pet.
"A little lower." Azula spoke in a content voice while she felt the girl's dainty hands slide down upon command.
"If you say lower Mistress then I go lower. May I inquire what it is that you are reading?" Elle asked with a sweet smile while she rubbed at the princess's shoulders.
If any other servant would have the audacity to ask Azula about the details of her private notes they would be banished without a second thought.
Yet not this one.
"A compilation of notes regarding one of my new techniques." Azula answered calmly while she took another drink of her wine.
No. She did not desire to punish her pet for asking.
Rather…she was pleased that the girl was so vested in learning as much as she could to be the optimal girlfriend.
"Oh! Will you please tell me about your new technique Azula-sama? Please!" Elle pleaded just as she leaned over Azula's shoulder like a needy puppy.
"Hm. You are eager to learn more about my strength, aren't you?" Azula purred just as she turned to gaze at the girl boldly leaning over the arm of her golden throne.
"Of course, I do. You are the person that I want to spend the rest of my life with Azula-sama. We should get to know each other as much as we can!" Elle exclaimed with a sunny smile before embracing the callous woman around her neckline.
Azula observed Elle with icy amber golden eyes to see the girl now affectionately pressing her face into her locks of dark hair.
It was almost as if the princess was considering removing Elle from her side.
Only to ultimately make no move to discipline the girl.
"I expect that such a thing would be in our best interests would it not?" Azula cooed with her fingernails once more brushing through her girlfriend's hair.
All the while Elle peeked over her shoulder with the most adorable blush on her youthful cheeks.
"It would Mistress! Because we're the best of friends and best friends know each other like the back of their own hand." Elle cried out with a radiant visage while Azula rolled her eyes at her once more.
"Best friends huh?" Azula snorted with a haughty smile while she gazed down at the petite girl hiding in her shoulder.
"Her Highness's little lady is also her best friend. I-isn't that right Azula-sama?" Elle requested in a hopeful voice while the princess still her face into her neck.
The ever so slight measure of concern in the girl's voice truly displeased Azula.
The princess mulled over the query for a brief moment before her palm descended into the petite girl's hair once more.
And then she turned to observe her jubilant companion's lovely little face while her amber golden eyes suddenly shone with a sliver of underlying affection.
"I suppose you are." Azula spoke with a pompous smirk while she listened to her girl cry out in joy beneath her palm.
"Yay! We're best companions! With your strength and my video game skills I just know that we'll be unstoppable!" Elle cheered just as she pumped a small fist into the air all the while laughing innocently beneath the older girl's possessive hand.
The princess's icy eyes took on a deadpan countenance while her fingernails continued to fiddle with the younger girl's hair.
"Ugh. You're not going to quit rambling about these commoner games are you girl?" Azula grunted with another bossy roll of her eyes while she continued to restrain Elle beneath her strong palm.
"Nope! I plan to tell you about them everyday Azula-sama. Until you get a chance to experience video games for yourself. And I've already told you that they're not commoner games!" Elle insisted while she continued to giggle when the princess's hand clutched at her hair.
She adored everything about her majestic princess.
Even the scent of her hair. And even her dominance.
And she truly savored these small moments where they bonded intimately behind closed doors.
"You're a commoner. And if you indulge in it. It is a commoner pastime." Azula snorted in a an unbelievably snobbish fashion while peered at her little pet's pouting face upon her shoulder.
"I don't know Azula-sama…it almost seems like you're worried that I'll show you up." Elle stated with a mischievous smile that never wavered even when Azula turned to scowl down at her in a truly imposing death stare.
"I am engaged in ending a century long war. When I was your age, I conquered Ba Sing Se, I faced the Avatar and won. I do not fear the battlefield. And you think that I feel hesitation at the prospect of dueling you in a commoner game?" Azula growled out just as a small puff of fire escaped her nostrils while her palm remained clamped down upon her joyful pet's head.
"You're so amazing Azula-sama. And so strong…I confess that I like strong girls." Elle admitted with a blush while she traced her finger along the princess's flawless bicep.
While doing so she continued to admire the regal woman's flawless physique just while smug amber golden eyes followed her every move.
And the princess noticeably swelled while she reclined upon her throne with her lips curving back into a pleased smile.
"Hm. You admire the muscles in my arm?" Azula pondered with a sanguine countenance just as she continued to pet her dainty handmaid while the young girl pressed her face into her well-muscled bicep.
"I-I do Princess. Because having such a strong woman to look out for me makes me feel so very safe." Elle stammered with a bashful demeanor about her while long fingers began to sweep through her hair once more.
"Humph. That is good. I am more than qualified to protect my own girlfriend." Azula stated while she nodded sagely just before releasing a content sigh when the girl nuzzled her upper arm.
Her little admirer was a clingy little thing but she has already decided that she has no qualms with that.
"But you know what they say Azula-sama." Elle began in a sing song voice which prompted the older girl to narrow her eyes down at her yet again.
"What do they say?" Azula questioned with a dominant snort while she attempted to cast the girl her fiercest glare.
Though try as she might just couldn't find it within her to be truly angry with the girl.
"Just because you haven't heard of it before doesn't mean you should dismiss it. That could come off as being insecure." Elle chirped with a beaming smile while Azula now glared at her with imposing amber golden eyes.
Although Azula was once more annoyed to admit that the girl had a valid point.
Not that she would ever say as much aloud though.
"Insecure? I am not afraid of a peasant game!" Azula barked just as she adjusted her bottom while she tilted her head to stare back at her naïve pet.
"W-well can't you try it with me? Instead of talking down my s-skill at it?" Elle mumbled with a pouty countenance while she averted her eyes in favor of kicking at an imaginary pebble at her feet.
Elle's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red when she heard Azula release a loud scoff from behind her.
"You are a whiny little thing. If I don't agree to this. You are going to continue pouting, aren't you?" Azula grumbled with her lips pursed into a tight scowl while she held her wine cup in her right hand.
"N-no. B-but we are best buddies Azula-sama…and best buddies are supposed to do everything together…" Elle trailed off while she chewed on her lip with Azula rolling her arrogant eyes at her turned back.
"In other words. You won't be satisfied until I dominate you at these commoner games? Is that right girl?" Azula queried in a voice of absolute control while she fixed her quivering girlfriend with a stare so stern that the girl began trembling under her gaze.
"I-I just want to share my childhood memories with you Princess…" Elle muttered just as she grasped at her robes while her princess continued to dominate her by gaze alone.
"I see. Your desire for domination is so great…that you wish to associate even your experiences from before we met with my rule." Azula spoke with a finger beneath her chin while an elegant smirk began to appear on her red lips once more.
"You are my life now Azula-sama. I…am your little lady. And I want nothing more than to serve you for all of my days." Elle confessed with a hand over her heart before she bent over to bow to the princess while Azula glanced at her with an approving smile.
"You truly are my most loyal follower. I have no doubts about that." Azula stated with a clenched fist curling up below her chin before leaning forward to loom over her bowing handmaid.
As soon as Elle heard those words a delighted smile broke out on her innocent face before happy laughter followed soon after.
All the while the princess peered down at her with a look of bewilderment in her cold eyes.
There was something about this girl's smile that never failed to intrigue her.
Perhaps it was a strange fascination with the girl's innocence?
For whatever the reason, she honestly enjoyed her handmaid's company.
More so than that of anyone else.
"There is no one more faithful than me Azula-sama! If you think there is then I'll prove my fealty in a contest of loyalty! I'll show you that I am the most devoted!" Elle announced jubilantly with a hand over her chest while she bounced on her feet in mid bow.
Not a moment later Elle heard the sound of a smooth chuckle floating into the air.
Azula sat in her throne with her right hand grasping at her chin while she stared down at her childish handmaid.
She continued to laugh while she stared down at her petite pet with a measure of fondness in her callous eyes.
It was not like her to care this much about a peasant girl.
But how could she not be fond of this one?
She never thought that she would see the day when a servant would offer to put on a show for her in a contest of loyalty!
"I'll keep that in mind. For your devotion you will always have a place beside me. Remember that." Azula remarked just when her chuckles died down while she gazed at her bowing girl with a pleased smile adorning her features.
"A-arigatou gozaimasu Azula-sama. Y-you are my h-home." Elle stuttered in a heartfelt voice while she peered up at the now sighing Azula.
"Of that I also have no doubts. You may rise now Elle." Azula commented with a lazy wave of her hand while she watched her little girlfriend spring to her feet.
'Both a girlfriend and a handmaid…there is much to like about this one.' The princess thought with her arms falling to the sides of her throne while she leaned back in a satisfied manner.
"When you say rise Mistress. I rise!" Elle exclaimed with her chest puffing out in a display of childish pride.
"Hm. Such a good girl. Come here my pet. I wish to pet you once more." Azula purred in a silken voice with her finger wagging in a come-hither motion while she smirked fondly to see her handmaid scamper forward upon command.
"Y-your little lady comes when you call her Azula-sama." Elle answered just as she scurried forward while her little amber eyes remained fixated upon her princess's wagging finger.
"I can see that. You're a pretty little thing…I am pleased to possess you." Azula declared just when she turned to peer down at her pet now standing dutifully before the arm of her throne.
"I-I am so very glad that you think so Princess." Elle mumbled while she shyly averted her eyes only for her smile to brighten when a strong palm lowered into her hair.
"Now then. You desire for me to subjugate you at these commoner games is that correct?" Azula asked in a beyond confident fashion with one palm in the girl's soft hair while she held the other over her resting belly.
"Azula-sama…I keep telling you that they are called video games." Elle complained much like a child attempting to educate her parent while Azula waved a dismissive hand in the air.
"Right. Of course. Video games." Azula commented haughtily before rolling her eyes over her little companion's whiny behavior.
"B-but Mistress they're really exciting! I just know you'll like them…won't you please play video games with me?" Elle requested with her shoe trailing on the metal flooring in a fashion akin to a puppy begging her owner.
Mere seconds later Elle squeaked when enormous azure flames flared to life behind her mistress while she gazed up at her blue-lit visage in awe.
Hot air began to brush against her brows while she stood trembling when Azula leaned down to peer into her eyes in a truly imposing stare.
Elle released a timid gulp while she clutched at her robes when Azula leaned above her with her eyes narrowing into a terrifying glare.
Oh, how her heart raced when her princess loomed over her.
"So be it. I shall conquer you once again! You will kneel before my strength!" Azula with her finger pointing down into the girl's adorably intimidated face.
"O-oh Azula-sama…you are so strong. I love it when you talk to me about your strength." Elle murmured in a love-struck voice while Azula loomed over her with a dominant smile now adorning her regal visage.
"Humph! I am the strongest there is. You would do well to remember that!" Azula snorted with her forehead pressing against her little girlfriend's own while her breath continued to tickle the tiny girl's cheeks.
"I…will never forget Your Highness. Not your strength or all that you've done for me. I am so very grateful." Elle admitted in a heartfelt manner with a hand on her chest while she felt her mistress's strong hand press into her hair.
"I can tell. Just consider yourself fortunate that I like you enough to accommodate your little whims. I trust that you are happy now?" Azula sighed in a lazy fashion while her face continued to press against her girlfriend's.
"So very happy Azula-sama! I just know that we'll share so many wonderful memories together!" Elle cheered with warmth in her voice before she began to laugh happily when her princess compressed her beneath her palm.
"I have no doubt that we will." Azula commented before she patted her petite girl's head all while the handmaid peered up at her with a bashful flush on her cheeks.
"I-I love you Azula-sama with all of my heart and soul…y-you are the woman of my dreams…m-my princess charming." Elle stuttered before reaching out to grasp Azula's hand while the ruthless woman continued to smile down at her.
"This isn't like me…to be so gentle. But I have already decided that I want you. You belong to me…little lady." Azula purred with her fingernails brushing against her young girlfriend's cheek while Elle peered up at her with emotional amber eyes.
"I…am your girl Azula-sama…I may be young…and I may be small but I am so happy to be yours." Elle confessed with her emotive eyes gazing up at her mistress's regal countenance.
"So, what if you are young? You may be thirteen…but that simply means that we have all the time in the world to get to know each other." Azula explained in a remarkably patient voice while she stared down at the girl's overjoyed smile.
"All the time in the world!" Elle agreed in a joyous voice while the princess's peered down at her with a margin of fondness in her cold gaze.
"There is something that I wish to say to you…but I will only say it once. So, I suggest you listen well!" Azula exclaimed in a haughty manner while Elle began to eagerly nod her little head.
"You have but to speak Princess and your girl listens." Elle answered with a bright smile while Azula eyed her in approval.
"You will see me kill many people. You will see me kill all that oppose me as Fire Lord. But you…I will protect you." Azula announced while she pulled the speechless girl forward with her cold eyes peering down at her lovely little face.
The spellbound teenager found herself unable to so much as utter a word.
Even when she began to fall forward, she never so much as moved a muscle.
All she could do was stare up into Azula's strict amber golden eyes while the princess effortlessly held her before her callous face.
All the while their foreheads continued to press upon one another's skin while Azula silently held Elle in a stunningly touching embrace.
"I will not bruise you…nor will I mar you. I shall never take you by force. I will wait…for as long as necessary. I am going to take care of you. You are my girl." Azula declared with her forehead pushing into Elle's own while her palm remained clamped upon the back of her girlfriend's head.
Elle stood in an overjoyed silence while her face continued to press into Azula's own.
Azula sat on her throne while she peered back into her little girlfriend's misty eyes.
All the while breathing softly in her little girlfriend's face.
"A-Azula-sama…" Elle stammered with a joyful tear sliding down her cheek while the princess affectionately held her before her face.
"Just don't go thinking that I am going soft on you girl. Because I'm not!" Azula hissed with her eyes narrowing in her emotional girl's nodding face.
"No. Of course not." Elle replied with a gentle smile upon her face while she listened to Azula snarl above her in a captivating manner.
"I own you." Azula spoke with a possessive growl lacing her silken voice while she clutched Elle's trembling face in both of her hands.
"You own me Azula-sama." Elle agreed in an overjoyed voice while she traced her smaller hand over her mistress's palm once more.
All along Elle found herself lost in Azula's magnificent eyes while the older girl continued to push her forehead into her own.
The young girl blushed even deeper when the mighty princess periodically snorted out miniscule embers of blue fire in her face in a fashion akin to a dragon of old.
And the princess's hands never released her quivering face.
Yet the tiny sparks of flame never once burned her.
It was as if her princess was subconsciously controlling her flames all for her sake.
The timid girl stood submissively when Azula released another snarl while she glared down at her love-struck face.
"Mine." Azula remarked with another snort while she let out another throaty growl just as she began to rub her face against her blushing handmaid.
"Yours Azula-sama." Elle giggled in a lovable voice with her face being pressed into her mistress's while she peered back into spellbinding amber golden eyes.
"My little girlfriend…" Azula growled in a voice of absolute dominance while she loomed over Elle's swooning face.
"Her Highness's little girlfriend." Elle repeated with an innocent smile while she began to adorably nuzzle the princess's forehead.
All the while the princess never ceased growling above her eye brows which prompted Elle to begin laughing sweetly once more.
Hot air swept in Elle's face while she delightfully listened to the sounds of the princess's snorting out tiny sparks of flame.
Elle could only blush wildly while her hair was lightly blown from her eyes by another puff of air from Azula's nostrils.
She soon closed her eyes while she felt the princess exhale upon her cheek while she giggled happily in response.
While Azula did so she continued to tower over her snarling much like a possessive dragon.
"I have claimed you. You belong to me now…little girlfriend." Azula informed in a hiss before snorting in the girl's face once more while she held her little girlfriend's cheeks.
"M-my girlfriend…" Elle stammered in a blissful voice with her little hand clutching at Azula's palm while the woman peered back at her with assertive amber golden eyes.
"You belong to me." Azula hissed without warning in Elle's intimidated face just when the girl opened her little eyes while she gulped in understanding.
"I-I belong to you Azula-sama…my dominant." Elle answered in an entranced voice only to quiver even deeper when her mistress thunderously stomped one of her boots upon the floor.
Then to the awe of her young mind she watched a massive wall of blue flames arise into the air before effectively entrapping them within.
All the while Azula stared down at her just when her eyes narrowed with a luminously lit visage.
Elle's heart began to race even faster than before when she gazed up at Azula with fire beginning to spew from her lips.
Yet even still she was never so much as grazed by the fire.
There was no doubt in her mind that her mistress was taking great care to avoid harming her.
In her little mind she couldn't help but begin to think that her princess was a true goddess of fire.
But she had no time to ponder it much further.
For the scowling princess slammed her boot into the floor once more while she continued to loom in her speechless face.
"You are mine. Mine and mine alone." Azula snarled with clear delight in her voice while she continued to breath hot hair into her trembling handmaid's face.
"With every fiber of my being I am yours Princess!" Elle cheered with a bashful blush while their foreheads touched once more.
"Mhm. That's my girl." Azula purred in a softer voice with her fingers brushing hair from her little girlfriend's eyes.
And then the princess placed a gentle kiss upon her young girlfriend's cheek all the while finding herself pleased by the lovely giggles that her handmaid produced in response.
"May I ask what that was Azula-sama?" Elle pondered in a serene manner just when the princess set her feet back on the ground.
All the while the blue flames began to dissipate while Elle stood staring back at Azula with a love-struck gleam in her inexperienced eyes.
"An ancient dragon ritual that the dragons used to perform when claiming their territory." Azula replied with a smug smirk while she reclined on her throne once more.
"Oh! Well I liked it! Very much so!" Elle cried out in a radiant fashion while Azula glanced down at her with amused amber golden eyes.
"I thought you would. Now…I can only hope that you are through whining about these…commoner games?" Azula commented with a lazy wave of her hand while she glanced at Elle's beaming little face.
"Yep! Now I'm as happy as a butterfly landing in the palm of your hand." Elle quipped with a bright smile while her mistress stared at her in a dry fashion.
"A butterfly? You are such a childish thing." Azula sighed with a shake of her head while reaching for her wine cup once more.
"I suppose so Azula-sama. Many people think me weird…but that's okay! Because I serve Princess Azula now!" Elle exclaimed just as she leaned over the arm of her mistress's throne while she peered up at Azula taking a long drink of her wine.
"Hm. So you do. I have a question for you Tiger Monkey." Azula began with a contemplative hum while she turned to stare down at her dutiful companion.
"Ask me anything and this tiger monkey will answer!" Elle assured just as she puffed out her chest while the princess surveyed her with a callous countenance.
"How are you planning to play these…video games? Even I may not be able to get your little device to work. In such a case the only way you would be able to play them is if we find a way to return back to your homeland." Azula announced with a hand beneath her chin while she peered down into the girl's now deflating face.
"O-oh well I hadn't really given it much thought Azula-sama. I just wanted to ask you to play video games. It beats me if we'll ever get the chance to do so!" Elle answered with a carefree shrug of her shoulders while Azula gazed at her with deadpan amber golden eyes.
"…It pleases me that you think so far ahead." Azula spoke with a roll of her eyes while she allowed Elle to prop herself up upon the side of her throne.
"What will flow will flow! Who knows where we'll flow! Only time can tell. But if that's where we flow then I am going to show you my legendary skills at Mario Kart." Elle called out with a nod while her princess gazed down at her with her brows furrowing incredulously.
"Alright…servant. I am going to ask you. What sort of stupid game sports such a laughable name?" Azula queried with a snort to her voice while she peered down at her pet gasping in a childishly dramatic manner.
"Did you just call Mario Kart stupid? Those are some serious fighting words Azula-sama." Elle stated with a shake of her head while she listened to Azula let an arrogant scoff above her.
"Really now? Fighting words?" Azula queried with a sneer on her lips while she peered down at her little handmaid's bright countenance.
"Yep! Fighting words…Ow! T-that hurt Azula-sama." Elle whined after being sharply flicked in the forehead while the princess released a loud grunt of annoyance.
"Do you still wish to fight me girl!" Azula asked in a domineering voice before stooping over to tower over her little girlfriend's now intimidated face.
"N-no Princess I surrender! I yield!" Elle squeaked with a hand rubbing at her forehead while she trembled when Azula's face consumed her line of vision.
"Hm. Oh very well pet. I suppose I will show you mercy." Azula purred with a graceful smiling adorning her regal features before placing a palm on the back of Elle's little head.
"I-I am most grateful for your leniency Azula-sama! B-but Mario Kart is a fun racing game!" Elle stuttered with a sweet smile when the princess stared down at her in her usual stern manner.
"A racing game is it now?" Azula pondered in a strangely subdued voice while she sat fiddling with her petite handmaid's golden locks.
"That's so. I was the best in the neighborhood Princess." Elle responded in a bashful voice while she peered up into Azula's cold amber golden eyes.
All while the princess began to knead her fingers throughout her hair once more.
"Were you now?" Azula cooed in a silken voice while she smirked down at her pet with a measure of fondness in her hardened stare.
"I was! I…even used to play with Felix. I was always better than him at video games. I used to beat him at just about any game! He didn't like that I was better than him…so he started dunking my games in water…" Elle trailed off with a glum slump of her shoulders while the princess's fingers continued to toy with her hair.
"In water?" Azula questioned in a voice that attempted to hide her affections while she watched her handmaid take on a more saddened demeanor.
"Yeah. When water gets into the games, they…break." Elle mumbled just as she chewed on her lip while Azula sat above her with a frown on her lips.
It was almost preposterous for her to care about something so trivial.
After all she had her own fair share of fun at Zuko's expense when they were younger.
And yet the girl's sullen mood displeased her.
And try as she might. She was unable to suppress the sense of rage that she felt whenever her girlfriend broached the subject of her rotten brother.
'If I ever see him. I will kill him for trying to take what is mine!' Azula thought with her lips pursing into a tight scowl.
And then Elle was taken by surprise when the princess pulled her around to the front of her throne.
The young girl found herself peering up at Azula's much taller form seated before her while she timidly smiled under the princess's callous stare.
The princess soon placed both of her palms upon her shoulders before effortlessly pulling her forward.
Elle gasped with a blush upon her cheeks when her forehead collided with the princess's.
And just like that Elle was standing with Azula once more holding her head in-between the palms of her hands while the woman began to growl in her quivering face.
That was when she realized.
Her princess was comforting her!
"T-thank you Mistress." Elle murmured in a lovable voice while the hair was swept from her eyes when the princess snorted above her eyebrows.
"I see once wasn't enough for you. Must I claim you again?" Azula spoke with a chiding click of her tongue while she exhaled in the petite girl's moved face.
"I would like that…" Elle confessed just as she began to fiddle her thumbs while Azula breathed warm air against her cheeks.
"I am strong. And yet you continue to fear this man. I thought I made it clear that you are safe under my rule." Azula growled with her forehead pressing into Elle's while she stared back into her little girlfriend's emotional eyes.
"S-sumimasen Azula-sama." Elle stammered when the divine princess let out another snort with tiny embers floating into the air.
"This simply will not do. What sort of ruler do you take me for?" Azula demanded with a snarl before cupping her pets' cheeks while their foreheads rubbed together.
"I…do not doubt in your rule Princess. I…trust in you to protect me! I trust in my ruler!" Elle cried out with her palm sliding over her mistress's while Azula glared down into her amber eyes.
"You had better not Elle." Azula hissed before softly kissing Elle's forehead while the younger girl stood with a blush spreading across her cheeks.
"Never." Elle answered with a tender giggle while a smirk began to climb back onto the princess's lips.
"Now that…is what I like to hear." Azula purred before pulling away while Elle still stood swooning over the kiss.
"O-oh Azula-sama…I love it when you kiss me." Elle muttered in a heartfelt voice only to jump when Azula snapped her fingers in her face.
"Fill my wine cup girl!" Azula barked in a spoiled voice with a broad smirk upon her lips while she watched Elle spring forward upon command.
"Her Highness's cup is empty! And I shall see it filled!" Elle exclaimed just as she grasped the wine bottle while the princess surveyed her in approval.
"Now…I believe you were asking me about my technique. Is that right?" Azula remarked while stared down at her handmaid skillfully filling her cup.
"I was!" Elle chirped with a sunny smile while she stood faithfully before the woman's throne.
"Would you like for me to show it to you?" Azula asked with a tilt of her head while she smirked at the girl's growing excitement.
"I would be honored Azula-sama." Elle spoke with radiant visage while the princess took a thoughtful drink of her wine.
"Hm. Oh very well. To the training room then." Azula declared before rising to her feet beside her young companion.
"As you say Princess, to the training room." Elle agreed with a nod while she peered up at Azula now standing beside her.
"But before we do…I want you to verify that I have this right." Azula commented just as she pointed down at a small page while Elle glanced down at it in puzzlement.
It was…. her birthday. Only her princess had written out the date on the note in English print.
"Huh…my birthday…you want to verify my birthday?" Elle repeated in a heartfelt voice while she glanced up at her icy companion.
"I will leave it to you to translate the meaning of me rolling my eyes." Azula replied before rolling her amber golden eyes while her handmaid turned to beam up at her.
"It is correct Azula-sama. That is my birthday." Elle informed in a soft voice while Azula glanced down at her with callous amber golden eyes.
"And just so we're clear. The only reason I even bothered asking is because I don't need you crying about how I forgot." Azula snorted with her arms folded over her bosom while Elle padded after her with a radiant smile.
"Wakarimashita Azula-sama." Elle commented in a serene voice while her much taller mistress strode with her hands behind her back.
"Good. Now come along now Elle." Azula commanded with spoiled snap of her fingers while she watched in satisfaction when her pet scurried after her in a trained run.
"Yes Princess! Please let me get the door for you." Elle cried out while Azula observed her with pleased amber golden eyes when she opened the door for her.
No matter where they went, she always opened the door for her princess.
And it was a trait that Azula vastly approved of.
The young girl held the door opened with her back bent in a bow all the while swelling in pride when the princess stood over her with an approving countenance.
"Good girl." Azula purred in a silken voice before planting a palm in her petite handmaid's hair.
"Y-you can depend on me Azula-sama. I am your loyal girl." Elle declared in an innocent voice with her chest puffing out while the princess patted her head.
And just like that she felt the palm leave her head while she watched her princess step past her bowing form.
"I know Elle. I know." Azula sighed with her hands on her hips while she watched her faithful handmaid close the door behind them.
And then shortly after that Azula began to walk down the halls of the airship with Elle scampered after her heels.
It wasn't long after that that the two were walking into the royal training chamber.
"There is one more thing that I want to ask you." Azula stated in a smooth voice while Elle craned her neck to meet her gaze.
"You know me Azula-sama! I'll answer anything you ask me!" Elle exclaimed with a sunny smile while she pointed a finger at herself for emphasis.
"How is that breathing machine working for you?" Azula questioned in her usual stern voice while trying to act as if she didn't care.
"Oh! It is working wonderfully Your Highness. I am doing much better now." Elle chirped while she followed after her princess.
"Are your chest pains still present?" Azula demanded with a tilt of her head while she made her way to her weapons rack.
"N-not unless I run really fast…" Elle mumbled with a shy smile while Azula surveyed her with callous amber golden eyes.
Even though the princess had no intentions of stating it aloud.
She couldn't deny that she was pleased to hear that her girlfriend was breathing at a more desirable rate.
"Humph. That is pleasing to hear. I can't have you collapsing on me, now can I? Now, come with me servant." Azula ordered with confidence in her step while the petite girl padded after her heels like a turtle duckling.
Strange as it may be, she doesn't mind that the girl looks to her as a combination of caretaker, mistress, and friend.
"As Her Highness commands!" Elle exclaimed with joy lacing her voice while she ran after the ruthless princess.
"In truth I have already shown you the prototype of this technique. But now…I will show you the finished work." Azula informed while Elle stood behind her with an expression of great excitement in her amber eyes.
"Really! Is this something that you showed me at the arena Azula-sama?" Elle requested in a voice of absolute respect while she stood with her palms folded before her mistress.
"That is correct my little pet. This…is a sword technique." Azula purred in a smoothly confident voice while she turned to grin down at the smaller girl's adorably loyal face.
"Please show me Mistress Azula! Please! Please! Can I see it!" Elle whined while tugging on the much taller girl's sleeve.
Azula glanced down at the tiny girl hopping up and down before rolling her amber golden eyes in exasperation.
She reached down to pick up her sheathed sword while her childish little handmaid continued to pull on her robes like a little girl in a toy store.
"Settle down Tiger Monkey! I already said that I would!" Azula snapped before spinning around to tower over her pet with her blade in hand.
"I'm sorry Azula-sama but I just get so excited at the thought of seeing your strength!" Elle squealed with a beaming smile while she continued to hop while Azula peered down at her in approval.
"Hm. That's my favorite servant. Now be a good girl and go stand over in the corner. I wouldn't want to incinerate you by accident." Azula ordered with a haughty curve of her red lips before softly pushing her petite handmaid off of her.
"Yes! To the corner I go! As my princess commands!" Elle cheered with her fist in the air before scampering off while the ruthless woman watched her dart off with a pleased smirk.
"And you be certain that you stay in that corner until I am finished." Azula instructed in a fashion almost similar to how a mother would manage her child while her pet bowed to her with a sunny smile.
"I'll be a good girl Azula-sama. I promise." Elle answered with her hands grasping at her robes while she bent over to briefly bow before the controlling woman.
And although Azula did not speak it aloud. She could not help but ponder one thing.
'As if Elle is ever anything but a good girl.' Azula thought with a pleased nod before smiling with a twinge of fondness in the direction of her little girlfriend.
"Now then. Watch me closely Elle. And do not look away! You must gaze upon me for each and every moment that I allow you to watch me practice." Azula announced in a supremely smug voice while she tilted her head to smirk over at the still bowing girl.
"I…shall write it down and commit it to memory Princess!" Elle cried out only to gulp when her mistress stomped her boot in a domineering manner.
All the while she quivered under Azula's dominating amber golden gaze when the woman stared at her in a manner so imposing that she almost fell to her knees.
"Say it again. And bow lower." Azula demanded in a controlling voice voice while she watched her submissive girlfriend prostrate herself on all fours.
"I-I will never turn my eyes away from my m-mistress." Elle stuttered with her face nearly touching the floor while her heart raced when she listened to Azula growl from across the training room.
"That's right girl. I am your mistress and you are my submissive girl. Out of the goodness of my heart I have decided to be a generous ruler to you. But even so that does not mean that I will hesitate to be stern with you." Azula declared with her fists on her shapely hips while she stared down at her prostrated pet.
"I do not protest your governance Azula-sama! I am proud to be your g-girl." Elle assured with a blush while she beamed over at the now smirking woman.
"Very good. Now observe this. I don't have a name for it yet but…it is marvelous." Azula remarked with a violent curve of her lips while her right hand fell over her sheathed blade.
Elle sat up on her knees while she watched Azula in amazement to see the regal woman crouch into a sword drawing stance.
Just like she did before when she generated her sword of flames!
And then Azula narrowed her eyes in a terrifyingly focused manner before sprinting forward while her young companion never once turned her eyes away from her movements.
Like living lightening the princess swiftly drew her katana while it burst aflame in azure fire.
All the while charging towards a wooden cut out of an enemy silhouette.
The teenage girl blinked in wonderment while her mouth dropped open in admiration when the princess's blade rapidly tore through the target with merciless abandon.
It burst into blue flames that scattered to the floor before the princess's pointed boots.
Yet the dangerous flames never once so much as tickled her skin!
She knew…she knew that her princess saw fit to see it that it didn't!
And then Azula slid across the steel flooring with a sanguine visage before finally skidding to a stop.
The princess turned her gaze back to her gawking girlfriend finding herself vastly pleased by the girl's awe.
And then she promptly sheathed her blade before straightening with a long finger brushing her bangs from her eyes.
After that she set her sword back on the weapons rack before she began to stride across the room, all the while staring down at the wide-eyed girl with limitless confidence in her every step.
"So how did I do?" Azula inquired in a lazily entitled voice just when she came to a stop above her seated pet with a massive smirk on her lips.
She knew that her companion knew by now that she wasn't actually asking because she needed reassurance of her skill.
No. She was aware that her girlfriend understood that it was another dominant and submissive dynamic of their relationship.
And it pleased her that her little admirer was enjoying it just as much as her.
"T-that was so amazing! You are so talented!" Elle chirped while Azula stood above her with a haughty smile on her lips.
"I know I am. But I do appreciate you reminding me." Azula purred while flexing her toned right bicep before her smirking face in a manner akin to a mammal trying to impress her would be mate.
"Oh Azula-sama.! You make my heart speed up so wonderfully!" Elle swooned with her hands on her dainty cheeks while she blushed under the older girl's arrogant gaze.
"That's just my superior charms taking effect on your little heart." Azula scoffed with another flip of her bangs before taking another step closer so she truly towered above her small pet.
"M-may I make a suggestion for the name of your technique Mistress?" Elle pondered just when she pressed her face into a looming boot leg while amber golden eyes peered down at her in surprise.
Now that…she did not expect to hear from her little handmaid.
"You name my technique?" Azula snorted in a supremely pompous voice while she delighted in how her meek little girlfriend clung to her heel.
"Sumimasen Azula-sama…it was just a passing thought." Elle mumbled in a more downcast voice than before while the tall woman now scowled down at her.
"Oh, quit sulking would you and just spit it out. I have no doubt that it is sure to be something childish." Azula snorted with her fist falling to her side while she glanced down at the girl peering up at her with a smile that she approved of.
"Soaring Blaze!" Elle announced in an eager voice while her chest puffed out in a show of innocent pride when her princess held a hand underneath her chin in apparent consideration.
It went without saying that Azula found herself pleasantly surprised that her handmaid's suggestion wasn't nearly as silly as she had been expecting.
The girl never ceased to amaze her.
She can be shockingly astute when she puts her mind to something that wasn't childish.
"Soaring Blaze it is then." Azula agreed with a charming smirk of approval while she stood over her surprised little girlfriend.
"R-really? You want to name it that Azula-sama?" Elle stammered in an honored voice while Azula folded her arms over her breasts with her lovely eyes rolling in playful mockery.
"Foolish girl. You are my girlfriend. It is only natural that I would name at least one of my techniques after you." Azula spoke with her hips tilting to the side while she peered down at her pretty little handmaid diving into her leg in response.
'She certainly makes for a gorgeous little pet…and delightfully submissive too.' Azula thought with a satisfied smile while she allowed the girl to cling to her heel.
"I am forever honored Azula-sama! I truly am!" Elle cried out with an emotional smile while the regal woman still smirked down at her.
"Believe me. I can tell. Now follow me. I wish to take a seat." Azula sighed with a wave of her elegant hand while began to walk away in a purposefully taunting fashion.
Azula even made sure to glance over her shoulder down at her little girlfriend when Elle's needy hand slipped from her pant leg.
If she didn't know any better the girl was almost saddened to leg go of her leg.
"When my girlfriend speaks, I obey!" Elle cheered with a beaming countenance before she stood up while she quickly scampered after her princess.
The teenage girl rushed after the older girl to an ornate chair that sat on the other side of the room.
No doubt for her princess to use when she wishes to take a break from her training.
It was more simplistic and smaller in design than her princess's thrones that were placed in virtually all of her rooms.
Yet still a fine piece of furniture all the same.
Elle stopped dutifully before the much taller girl while she watched Azula lazily plop down in the cushioned chair.
And without even so much as speaking the spoiled woman snapped her fingers while she pointed down at her boots.
"Go on, take a seat at my feet. It's your spot after all." Azula ordered just as she reclined on her backside with a dominant smile while she watched the girl drop to the floor upon command.
"Yes! This is my spot!" Elle exclaimed with sweet laughter lacing her voice while she peered up at the looming princess seated upon the training chair.
"That it is. Now kneel." Azula purred with her hands now resting upon her belly while she observed the fall into a faithful kneel before her.
"Don't worry Azula-sama. I'll always bow before you and you alone!" Elle chirped with a joyous nod while the princess stared back down at her with a gratified smile upon her beautiful features.
"You are a very good girl Elle. I like you very much." Azula admitted with a fond grin while she leaned forward before reaching down to pat her little girlfriend's soft blonde head.
And oddly enough.
Because she knew that the girl labored so hard to please her.
She found that when it came to her that she didn't mind applying a gentler touch.
"I-it brings joy to my heart to know so. I want nothing more than to please you. Y-you know that don't you?" Elle stuttered with an emotional expression on her face while Azula began to scowl down at her once more.
"Of course, I do girl! Now stop that moping right this instant! I prefer a smiling pet! Not a crying pet." Azula barked with her frozen eyes narrowing once more while she ran her fingers through the girl's hair.
"Yes Azula-sama!" Elle cried out with cheerful laughter while the older girl stared down at her with possessive amber golden eyes.
"Once more…that is what I like to hear. Now. Remove my boots. I want a foot massage." Azula commanded in an entitled voice while she lounged back in her chair.
"My princess wants a foot massage and I shall see it done!" Elle called out with a bright smile while she reached to remove her princess's boots.
She knew that there were many that would be bothered by Azula's extremely controlling personality.
But not her!
If it made her princess happy.
It made her happy too!
"That's my girl." Azula stated in a tone of great satisfaction with her hardened eyes gazing down at her dutiful pet.
Just before she bent down to give the girl another affectionate pat to the head.
While she sat above her handmaid with her callous eyes staring down at the girl happily smiling underneath her petting hand.
And Elle beamed radiantly while Azula's hand remained planted in her hair atop her golden head.
"I-I am Princess Azula's good girl." Elle spoke with a bashful flush while she closed her eyes happily when the princess gingerly petted her in a soothing manner.
"That you are little lady. That you are." Azula sighed with her face now resting against her cheek while she gazed down at her new girlfriend smiling joyfully up at her.
She couldn't help but tilt her head with a measure of fondness in her icy eyes when Elle began to laugh warmly once more.
She pursed her lips into a curious smile while she softly rubbed the smaller girl atop her head once more.
As strange as it was, she couldn't help but feel pleased to know that her handmaid was fond of being petted.
If the girl enjoyed it…then she would continue to do it all the same.
"Azula-sama…my girlfriend…my princess." Elle whined out with another innocent girlish giggle.
As the princess never ceased leaning over her with her fingers playfully stroking the top of her head.
"My little handmaid…my favorite girl." Azula remarked with a protective gleam in her cold eyes while she peered down at the girl kneeling before the foot of her throne.
While she did so she keenly watched her handmaid begin to take off her boots from her feet.
And she soon found herself reclining with a content sigh escaping her lips while the younger girl continued to laugh happily underneath her hand.
"Her Highness's favorite girl." Elle mumbled in a jubilant voice just when she began to hum while she worked on taking off her princess's boots.
"You pretty little thing you…" Azula cooed with a shake of her head while she smiled down at the girl's little face smiling so adorably under her palm.
And with that she continued to sit over the girl with her hand remaining in her handmaid's soft hair.
Her domineering amber golden eyes never ceased in staring down at the younger girl's simply joyous face.
As she brushed her fingertips through her favorite handmaid's hair while she listened to the girl let out another peaceful sounding laugh.
While she continued to observe the girl from above with her frigid eyes always staring down at her in a possessive manner.
She knew that she had long since made up her mind about this one.
This little dear belonged to her and her alone.
And if anyone should ever try to hurt her dainty little handmaid ever again.
They will find themselves dealing with her personally.
And that was a promise.
AN:
First off, I want to reply to Agent Banana once more. Yes, I got a good kick out of writing Azula's interest in violent video games.
And Zoe does have many similarities with Azula, however they also have their differences. It may not seem like it from her introduction but Zoe is passionate about being good to the people of the Fire Nation. She treats commoners well, and as a result they like her more than Azula.
That will be one of the things that Azula learns about as the story goes on, that a good ruler is beloved by her people, not feared.
As for how Iroh/Zuko will react, we'll just have to wait and see! Now that that's out of the way, let's move on.
In this chapter we got to see a glimpse of Azula's improved bending. As I said before, this is Smoke and Shadows Azula in terms of power but somewhat stronger. She used the six year lull to train in private, and she kept the details from her father, Zuko, Mai, and even Ty Lee.
As we saw this chapter, just recently Azula learned how to conduct flames through a sword. She's training in the art of swordsmanship so that she will still have a weapon if her flames are doused.
I also want to address both Azula and Elle's heights.
In my story, Azula is close to six feet tall, and Zuko is about an inch taller than her, and Ozai himself is about six foot five. Let me explain my reasoning.
First, there is no canon proof, regarding how tall any character is. We only know small details, Azula and Mai are somewhat taller than Ty Lee. And Aang, and Toph are shorter than their friends.
Two, there is little consistency in the cartoon. In some screenshots Ozai is over double Aang's height, in others Aang is almost as tall as Ozai!
I have never seen Ozai, and his two children as being short people. Ozai always seemed like a tall, muscular man to me. And by that rational, I have always felt that Zuko and Azula will be tall like him as adults.
Now obviously Iroh is shorter than them but I have never agreed with how some people represent Azula and Zuko are small people in terms of height. So it really comes down to interpretation.
Now, regarding Elle's height.
Elle is a very petite girl, somewhere around four and a half feet tall. Unlike Azula, she grew up in poverty, and the abuse she went through played a factor into her height. She would probably be a few inches taller if not for the abuse.
Now keep in mind that Azula is a fully grown twenty year old woman, and Elle is a thirteen year old girl that has barely even begun puberty. When Elle is Azula's age, she will be a few inches taller but she will always be really petite.
I just wanted to state that outright in case anyone has any confusion over their heights. So when I write that Azula looms/towers over Elle, that's why.
And lastly, I also wanted to mention that when I write that Azula is well toned, or well muscled, that I just mean that a master firebender like her is at the peak of fitness. I don't mean that she's an amazon or She-Hulk. I just mean incredibly fit, as a wartime warrior monarch would be.
A major theme of my story is getting Azula to feel like she has someone to protect. Azula is strong, tall and she grew up in a lavish palace. And Elle is weak, small and she grew up in poverty. They are complete opposites, and that's what makes the story so much to write.
Anyhow! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and please review after you read!