Azula had every reason to be happy on this day of triumph. She had eliminated a possible threat to her nation's efforts at winning the war. Perhaps she even brought it closer to ending the ultimately greatest conceivable threat, the Avatar. Moreover, she felt great pride within herself, for she could feel Lu Ten's admiring eyes upon her. The rush of victory had indeed awoken passion in both of them. Both were happy, actually, that they were interrupted discreetly in their embrace, for both could barely restrain themselves from fully giving into the passion they felt for each other during their hug.
She should be happy.
However, while returning to camp her vision suddenly went blank, her control over her own body slipping for a moment. Ominous dark words filled her ear and sent a spike of dread through her heart.
"You have nothing to be proud of, child."
She was back.
Azula felt a rush of panic worse than the moments, hours ago, when she had reason to fear her life would end.
This newfound, returning threat might not be able to kill yet, but it had the power to ruin her life and all happiness she might find in it too, just in a different way.
The last thing the princess could afford in this moment, or any moment really, was to let it show.
Fortunately, an ambush by the hill tribes seemed unlikely, the message sent to them not to trifle with and double cross their new Fire Nation benefactors had been sent loudly and clearly. However, a large number of prisoners were captured and the logistics alone of getting them to camp was something worth giving serious thought to. More importantly, their new wondrous technology had to be brought back safely as well. Its inventor simply called it an airship and the term would soon find currency in the Fire Nation Army. Soon enough the technology itself would be used to spread dread around the Earth Kingdom.
Luckily, Lu Ten and Azula would settle on a solution to the transport issue before her troubles began.
The airship was manned by a skeleton crew, including its inventor. Moreover, it transported the soldiers injured in the fight too. They were protected by their uninjured comrades, who kept a close watch over the man called The Mechanist and his friends. To make his complete obedience certain, his son Teo would be carried to camp on ground, literally, and since he couldn't walk himself one of the bigger and stronger soldiers shouldered him on his back.
It was a good approach, the princess thought to herself, the inventive old man had already shown that the whole of his people meant nothing to him compared to his son. Perhaps Mai's hurtful accusations were true, that she couldn't really feel or act with love, but at least she understood it enough to exploit it. Moreover, she understood resentment, something the other Earth Kingdom commoners were likely to feel towards the man who so easily abandoned them. Now his destiny was bound to her whim, and that of her family.
Their most dangerous prisoner, a traitorous woman of freakish height, was to be marched on land too, kept in check by an improvised leash made of rope and the instruction to the soldiers to not hesitate to punish her severely for the slightest lack of compliance.
But Azula worried less about her now than about the compliance of her own mind and body. In her darker moments she did wonder whether the love she got from Lu Ten, the love she didn't like imagining herself without, was only duty after all. Luckily for her, she usually succeeded in reminding herself that those thoughts were derived from irrational fear, not an assessment of reality.
Now the one who implanted that persistent fear of abandonment into her, her vanished mother Ursa, was making herself heard, speaking ever louder, painfully echoing in Azula's skull, saying, accusing, judging.
"How could you do this?"
Azula breathed in deeply and closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to not open her mouth as she responded with.
"You have to be a little more specific."
Soon enough, the voice countered.
"How could you threaten the life of a child?"
The princess answered in growing annoyance.
"Do you want an actual explanation or a litany of remorse?"
Yet the voice remained undeterred, asking.
"How can you justify it?"
A small sigh escaped Azula's lips when she replied.
"Not everything that has to be done has to be just."
But the woman in her head only spoke louder.
"One day you will be at someone's mercy too, and you better pray it won't be someone like you."
"I heard hands up, legs apart has saved the life of many women. I wonder how often you did that to escape punishment for your treasons?"
The apparition was stunned only for a moment, then continued even more offended.
"Just because I didn't always live what I preached, doesn't make my words wrong."
Azula smiled bitterly, it was becoming harder to remain silent, yet she managed to reply no louder than a faint whisper.
"No wonder you liked Uncle more than Dad, you sound just like him."
Her mind's conjuration still had a few tricks, it adopted a new strategy. It now spoke in a tone that sounded caring and concerned but still didn't hide the deep disappointment behind it.
"What do you really want, daughter? Is being consistent consolation enough for being a monster?"
A sharp bolt of pain suddenly ran through Azula like lightning. Though it was gone just as quickly, she cringed visibly, alerting Lu Ten who was walking a couple paces ahead of her. Sensing that something might be wrong he walked back to where his betrothed was. Just seeing the light in his eyes gave Azula the strength to banish back the darkness that reared from her soul, giving the vision of her long gone mother Ursa a final decisive response, chasing her away, for now. She confidently said.
"I want to know how it is possible for a mother to not love her own child. Maybe the consolation I seek is the chance to be a mother myself and outdoing you."
It seemed that Lu Ten didn't hear or understand a single word of her whispers. She looked up to him gratefully as he rubbed her upper arm and asked if anything was wrong, to which she replied.
"It's nothing, really."
"You sure?"
"Very sure. I appreciate the concern but if you keep doting on me like this I'll end up being the husband in our marriage."
Upon those words Lu Ten kissed her immediately, almost violently, until he felt all resistance melting. Once he allowed her to breathe again he said with a smirk.
"Don't you worry, I won't let it come to that."
Satisfied with the fierce desire she could read in her cousin's eyes, Azula responded with a devilish smirk of her own.
"Then worry less about me and more about leading this little army of ours back to camp safely."
"I'm choosing to take this as a suggestion, not an order."
"You better."
"Then I'm ordering you to walk next to me, no objections."
The young princess did quickly gulp but did as she was told. Luckily the rest of the march back was uneventful, no ambushes by enemies from the hills, no ambushes of old enemies from her own mind.
They arrived late at sunset, the light in the sky barely a sliver of its full power. Yet it was enough to illuminate the sight of the airship to all who were staying outside at that moment, making them marvel at the machine few could have even imagined before, much less expected. Luckily all tension could be resolved before it could build up, the firebenders on board successfully used their element to signal that they were in charge and that their intentions weren't hostile to the Fire Nation's cause.
While most of the soldiers, auxiliaries and camp followers were distracted by the spectacle above their heads, Lu Ten and Azula entered the camp more subtly, with less fanfare, and made their way to Iroh's command tent. The people they passed by scrambled to let them through with reverence and very soon they stood before the heir of the throne, general and commander of all armies assembled.
By the time they reached his tent, Iroh was already outside, staring in wonder at the marvelous flying spoil of war. The aging general had a carefully cultivated habit of very openly expressing positive emotions, amazement being one of them. What greatly helped him sell his image of being a warm, fun and caring man was that about half the time, he actually did feel the emotion he tried to convey, at least half the time. Those who did displease him would often learn of his true feelings and intentions way too late.
Now though, Iroh seemed genuine enough. As he observed the sight of the airship and the columns of soldiers and prisoners his younger family members brought back, he stroked his carefully trimmed and groomed beard for emphasis of his good mood. Once Lu Ten and Azula stood near enough to him he addressed them in a joyous tone.
"Son, daughter, I'm happy to see your mission was fruitful, even more so than expected! Care to enlighten me about what my eyes are seeing?"
Though she knew his general opinion of her and that he might be saying those words simply to make himself look better or because the occasion demanded it, Azula still couldn't help but feel a small shiver of warmth due to her uncle addressing her as "daughter". It made her duty to let her future husband speak first easier to fulfill. Lu Ten then said.
"A game changer. Almost as good as having the dragons back. As long as there's a source of fire on its deck this flying ship can carry us anywhere, and allow us to rain destruction on any of our enemies below. Moreover, there will be more of them, as many as our armies need, for we haven't brought back just this machine, but also its inventor. He's more than 'willing' to share his secrets with us."
At those words, Iroh spread out his arms, beckoning his son to accept a hug. Once Lu Ten was in his embrace he tapped his bag, showing his pride in what he did and his thankfulness to have him back safe. After letting him go, he turned his gaze to Azula and said in a tone that was kinder than usual, almost playful.
"I'm sure you did your best too."
Azula chose to respond with a little levity of her own.
"Indeed, Uncle, my achievements today were so great they don't even need to be mentioned."
"So, no trace of the Avatar?" – Iroh asked with an eyebrow raised.
Visually unphased, Azula responded.
"Sadly not, but we did encounter an airbender who may be connected to him."
"Is he among the captives or did you... ?"
"He escaped alive but I'm confident we will capture him soon. We have the perfect lure, a Fire Nation woman he seemed very attached to."
Iroh then asked incredulously.
"A firebender woman?"
"Not just any type of firebender, traitorous or not, but a combustion-bender."
The old general's eyes visibly widened as he processed the bold claim. The he found the words to ask.
"I've heard of such rare, very rare individuals, but I can't say I met a single one in person."
"Well, here's your chance to look at one."
Azula turned her back to him for a moment and signaled the soldiers behind her to bring forth the captive. Once he saw P'li being brought closer, Iroh's gaze was forced to shift upwards. The young woman effortlessly towered over him. Since the old general was somewhat short and stout, the prisoner would have to kneel for them to be at eye level, which is exactly what Azula ordered her to do.
Though her spirit wasn't broken, yet, P'li's body was too tired to put up a fight. Silently, Iroh admired the sight before him, not failing to notice her rather shapely yet still lean built. His niece then removed the bandage wrapped around P'li's forehead. Despite the now healing wound the telltale tattoo of a combustion-bender was still clearly visible and the spark in her defiant eyes was unmistakably that of a firebender.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am…"
"The so-called Dragon of the West. An insult to the noble creatures your wretched family hunted down!"
The princess, who was standing right next to the prisoner, wasn't about to let the insult and disrespect go unpunished. In a quick move she firmly grabbed P'li's braid and violently tugged it, causing her to scream out in pain. Luckily for her, Azula's uncle quickly reigned her in by commanding.
"That's enough! I'm sure our guest will be more careful with her words in the future."
Azula let P'li go instantly, straightened herself back into a more proper posture and returned her attention to Iroh, saying.
"Very well, just don't expect me to make tea for her."
"Worry not, niece. I don't have reason to hate her that much yet."
Lu Ten, who had calmly observed so far, had to suppress a chuckle, remembering that the only person he knew who made worse tasting tea than his beloved was her brother Zuko. It was her effort and devotion to him that made Azula's tea sweet to his senses. Meanwhile his father returned his attention to the captive and said.
"It seems we might have started on the wrong foot. My apologies. Let's start our discussion again, fresh in the morning. Hopefully, we can reach an agreement beneficial to us both."
P'li didn't want to give her hated enemy the satisfaction of cooperation but she had little desire to experience more pain at this moment either. Thus, she opted to stay silent until the old general gave the order for her to be led away.
Once the tall young woman was out of sight, Azula gazed around and noticed that quite a large number of the army's top commanders were gathered in the vicinity, Hakuin among them. The fact that they assembled so quickly was indication enough that most of them must have been in Iroh's grand tent already. The princess addressed the observation by asking her uncle.
"Emergency war meeting?"
Iroh smirked and answered.
"Close, but not quite."
From experience, Azula knew that one of the best ways to decipher her uncle's cryptic statements was to simply guess. Wrong or not, it didn't matter, eventually he'd drop enough clues for her to accurately estimate what the real meaning behind his wise and clever words was.
"Well, if we manage to plan a great strategy while the enemy is asleep we might have an even greater advantage."
"That would be an advantage indeed, yes. However, last time I looked our army was made out of humans. People, even soldiers, don't just need sleep but good relaxation while awake as well."
Azula didn't fail to pick up the slight hint of condescension behind the good natured tone yet continued questioning regardless.
"So, you are having a party?"
"More like a friendly gathering of fellow men of the same profession."
"If that's your order my lord, who am I to question it?"
It took her walking only a step and a half towards the tent and the men there to find out who and what she was in his eyes. Iroh's sudden, yet fierce and hardened gaze stopped her in her tracks.
Azula knew that look in Iroh's eyes well. Though not nearly as terrifying as when her father did it, it spoke more clearly than any words could that she was close to stepping out of her place. One day she hoped to wipe it off his face but that day was still far away. The thought of challenging the aging man to a duel had crossed her mind frequently throughout her career, yet she knew well that doing so would ignite a war. Far too soon that is. There was no doubt whose side the current Fire Lord would choose and that alone would see her branch wiped out. Thus, her mind raced to focus on what she could and should do right now. backing down with dignity.
Fortunately, not even the great general Iroh was inclined to insult her too loudly and too clearly before witnesses, their sometimes toxic banter in meetings and in private was something else entirely. After all, his lord father chose her to carry the future of the main family line under her heart. Azulon's will was not to be questioned, it was absolute no matter whether his son agreed. Thus Iroh had to bite his tongue from calling her inadequate for his dear son, though he did think it. He preferred telling her through a veneer of care.
Lu Ten, however, did care.
Azula felt certain of that, and she realized that that was the core of her issue now. She needed him close, right now, in this hour where her mind was starting to once again be consumed by its greatest fear, losing itself.
The countless hours her and her cousin spent hugging, holding hands, cuddling and sharing kisses must have created a bond strong enough that words weren't always needed. Lu Ten certainly didn't know all the depths of her heart but he could sense enough that he decided to approach her, take both her hands into his and give her a reassuring squeeze. She tried not looking up and meeting his gaze, not wanting to reveal the begging look in her eyes that screamed for him to stay.
Azula knew that look of hers was usually too powerful a force for her fiancee to resist and she feared that too. She feared that if the day should come where she could command him effortlessly at a whim that she would cease to respect him, to desire him. After all, wasn't Zuko's resistance towards her the very thing that made him irresistible?
Azula knew her dual desires could kill her, but a stubborn part of her just didn't want to care about right and wrong, about what's shameful and what's appropriate.
Yet another part, one she wished she could rip out from herself, was determined to torture her, whispering in a familiar hated voice.
"You really want it both ways, the best of both men, don't you? Why did I have to raise such a slut?"
Azula tried answering the voice by concentrating her thoughts alone, hoping no sound would escape her lips but reach her target still.
"That's rich coming from you, you traitorous whore, didn't you do the same?"
"To a man who deserved it."
Before she could muster a response, Azula suddenly felt compelled to open her eyes so as to not draw attention and suspicion, yet the sight that presented itself in front of her made her question whether she was starting to see things too, not just hear them.
It was Zuko.
Not even a couple of furious blinks could chase his image from her vision. There he was, in the back, behind most of the soldiers and commanders, observing her for a time with a weary yet not utterly hostile glare before taking a few steps to come closer.
It seemed to Azula that almost each time she and her desired met, her heart would race faster than the previous time they saw each other. She had to will the dizziness away that was starting to get hold of her and muster a voice colder than the one her heart craved to use.
"Brother, what a surprise! Not an unwelcome one, but still unexpected."
"I was compelled to come."
The smile on her brother's lips and the way he voiced his words filled Azula with a rush of foolish, girlish hope. Thus her own tone softened but remained teasing.
"And what overpowering reason could that be?"
"Uncle's request."
The fact that her brother didn't say what he said too somberly encouraged her to continue the game.
"Of course. And here I thought for a moment you were just missing your little sister."
"I do miss you, but even you say my aim is improving."
"Most impressive, brother. If you keep this up you might actually be funny in a few years. Just don't neglect your bending."
Zuko then surprised her even more. Completely unprompted he got even closer to her and enveloped her in a hug. This time it was Azula's turn to shiver when he said the following words.
"Try not to die out there, Azula. The only thing I hate more than you is the thought of losing you, of never getting the chance to beat you for good."
"Don't worry dum-dum, I plan on living a very very long life. That's a promise and a threat."
"Good. Then swallow your pride this once and stay out of Iroh's way tonight. He's got something special planned. I don't know what it is but he doesn't want you around."
If Zuko's embrace hadn't been both so soothing and exciting, Azula may have reacted more openly hostile to what he just said. The gears in her head would worry about Iroh's machinations soon enough, but in this very moment of physical closeness her heart was pleased by the thought that a man she loved was looking out for her best interest. Whether he was misguided about it mattered less than the intention. Perhaps there was hope indeed that her brother was finally seeing the soul behind the appearances she put up.
"Fine, I'll trust you don't want me dead just yet. Not tonight."
Azula then placed a light kiss on Zuko's cheek before disentangling. Though it was too dark to see whether he was flushed, the awkward squirming face he made was still priceless in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Iroh observed the interaction between the siblings with a carefully neutral face. After all, his brother's children were one of the most decisive battlegrounds in the barely undeclared struggle between Ozai and himself.
As soon as his nephew's eyes locked with his, Iroh beckoned Zuko with a glance to join him and the other men. Zuko soon obeyed the silent request, though not soon enough for his uncle's liking.
However, the old general stopped in his tracks when he sensed his own son wasn't following him. Before he could even formulate a question, Lu Ten already gave a suitable answer.
"I think honor compels me to escort my bride to be safely to her tent."
Had Lu Ten not used the word honor, Iroh might have had an easier time to object. Thus he reluctantly agreed to go with the flow. The hands of his son and his niece were already firmly fused to another anyway.
"Just don't take too long, son."
Lu Ten bowed in respect to his father with his back alone while Azula did the same with a slight delay. He then kissed her in front of all, Zuko included, before disappearing from sight together.
The young couple marched to Azula's tent with a small escort and in a very pleasant silence. That silence was even more pleasing for Azula then it was for Lu Ten, for it reigned not just outside her body but inside Azula's mind as well. The ghost of her mother had nothing to say. Perhaps the small, slightly ambiguous sign of love Ursa's favorite showed to the child she hated did the trick. Azula's inward sense of triumph was near gleeful. Joy surged through her body, her blood running hotter and hotter with each passing second.
Once she and Lu Ten were in front of her tent and their guard left them a little space for privacy, she quite suddenly embraced her cousin. Her lips soon found his and started devouring him with a fierce, lustful hunger. Her fiance returned her passion and their bodies ended up pressed as close as their clothing would allow.
Once she granted his begging for breath, he looked her deeply into her eyes and said.
"Believe me, I want it too."
His voice was hushed yet full of emotion, compelling Azula to reply in the same tone and volume.
"Then let's do it! I'm sure you're skilled enough to do it quick."
Lu Ten let a tense silent second pass to add to the impact of his words.
"I love my father. I would die for him. But I also know him. If by any unlucky chance you conceive now, he WOULD question the parentage. Don't give him the chance to disgrace you."
"But…"
"I insist."
They had on occasions discussed what their marriage would and should be like. A love for plans was something they found to have in common. Though he had promised to use it only sparingly, they had agreed to a word Lu Ten could use to make it clear that no pleading or arguing would be tolerated, and he had just used it.
Azula wasn't pleased.
She lightened her hold on him, hardened her face and coldly said.
"I guess you need your energy to 'celebrate' like the other men at Iroh's tent?"
Lu Ten's betrothed was nothing if not an expert at turning a situation around in her favor. He also knew she wasn't quick to forgive, but she did enjoy making people work for it."
"It's most likely not that kind of meeting. And even if it was, I'm not going to participate in that."
"I'm listening."
Her face was already halfway turned away from him but the fact that she didn't yet step away from him was a good sign.
"I can't, I just can't keep doing this to you. Especially not today after nearly losing you. Most girls your age have already experienced what you crave. You've denied yourself and sacrificed a lot for our family, our nation and its honor. It is time I do something similar, prove that my words aren't empty. I solemnly swear to you that I'm not going to lay with a woman until the two of us are married."
Azula cocked her eyebrow in curiosity and turned to face Lu Ten fully again. Once more she felt a rush, but of a slightly different kind. She couldn't in seriousness claim that a man putting himself in pain for her sake didn't excite her. It was actually sweet coming from a person who had already proven his courage, strength and mettle time and again, both on the battlefield and outside it. Thus she probed her lover one step further.
"What about your needs? Men are notoriously much worse at controlling those kinds of desires than women, are they not?"
Her cousin smirked and said.
"I still have the portrait of you that you gifted me, it's still a secret to all."
Azula was growing more satisfied with the flow of the conversation and teasingly added.
"But it's just my face and shoulders, nothing further below."
"Azula, cousin, love, the reason men avert their eyes from you is because they know that just looking at your face for too long would drive them over the edge."
A snicker escaped the princess before she could stop it. Her promised sure was poetic, whether it fitted the situation or not.
"I had the impression it is because I would burn them to a crisp."
"Exactly, the sun burns the unworthy and gives life to those who cherish it. I assure you, my sunshine, the image of your pretty visage will be more than enough tonight and for the nights to come."
Kissing her cousin was one of Azula's favorite ways of shutting him up, which is exactly what she did next. Though it wasn't nearly as long and intense as the last one it still sealed their new deal in goodwill.
"Get lost."
"As you wish."
Once a few steps separated them, Azula added the following.
"Just one more thing, keep an eye on our little Zuzu. Uncle may be endlessly forgiving of him but don't let him embarrass himself before the other big name men."
"I won't. I will keep him out of trouble, make sure he never gets another scar, unless he dishonors you of course."
Though the princess was pleased with the intent, she couldn't help but wish that her cousin didn't say the last part.
One day she would make the world accept the unacceptable. One day the world wouldn't just fall before her bending but bend to her will.
Back at Iroh's gathering place, Zuko wasn't feeling all too well and comfortable, despite being closely seated to his beloved and revered uncle. The reason for this was a man whose company he preferred not to endure.
There were indeed few people that could compel Prince Zuko to desire to run to his sister for comfort, out of all people, but commander Hayato was one of them. Azula sometimes proudly or jokingly called herself heartless but at least her eyes, no matter how malicious their stare, showed a range. As a result of his rising strength in combat, Zuko had grown skillful enough to see it. anger, fear, pride, loathing, greed, disgust, even desire. Few were ever positive but they were tangible and present. Hayato on the other hand was a gaping, consuming, terrifying void of a man. No matter how hard you tried to look or for how long, the only thing you could find in his eyes was nothingness. Perhaps there was one exception, the reason his uncle tolerated and even seemingly enjoyed the company of this man, his music, his unmatched and unmistakable skill with a fiddle. But whenever he played it he kept his eyes firmly closed throughout, not letting the world see whether there was anything inside to see.
Iroh had decided to task this man with filling the time and silence until his son Lu Ten returned. Though his absence was acceptably short, Zuko was still relieved to see his cousin enter the meeting, for it meant that Hayato would finally take his own seat, far away from everyone present, far away from the prince.
Once Lu Ten was finally seated to Iroh's right, between the old general and Zuko himself, the commander in chief joyfully clapped his hands and commanded for the first round of drinks to be served. As soon as everyone had a glass of fine wine in hand, he raised his own glass for a toast.
"Today is a fine day indeed! Nothing gladdens my heart like seeing my sons growing and prospering, winning glory for themselves, reaching their destiny and building their legacy."
Lu Ten knew better than everyone else that his father meant no harm, he genuinely loved his cousin Zuko, and it wasn't unheard of for men to call their nephews son either. But men could be malevolent, twisting words and quoting them in a way that could make them sound like something else entirely.
But his lord father Iroh wasn't dumb, nor was he careless, even though he was a master at pretending to be both whenever it suited him. Right now he suspected that his sire wanted to see if any of his closest men would object. Though loyalty was frequently sworn to be permanent and undying it was a constantly shifting thing, far less predictable than the tides.
"Thank you, Uncle, I'm happy you feel this way about me. I'm certain my father feels at ease knowing I'm taken care of and looked after. I hope the news of our recent successes reaches his ears soon and fills him with pride."
Smart answer, the young prince's cousin thought. The tension in Lu Ten's own chest lessened when he saw the commanders and leaders present nodding.
The son of the heir however couldn't help but feel and hope that Zuko would more strongly side with Iroh, even in public, for the old general was his true lifeline, not Ozai.
Sometimes Lu Ten regretted not having been more present when his cousins were small. Whatever their father did to instill such unwavering loyalty in both of them must have been impressive, and disturbing.
The few times he tried broaching the topic with Azula, it ended more than unpleasantly. Ozai's hold on her was strong indeed. Besides unshakeable devotion he could also sense a deep fear regarding her father.
A son rebelling against his father was met with appropriately harsh punishment of course, but for a daughter that was sacrilege.
Iroh had raised him to be a rounded person in addition to a warrior and ruler, his music lessons just as important as those in statecraft. His uncle on the other hand seemed to favor a different approach. Perhaps Ozai thought that the ultimate act of love towards his children was raising them to not depend on that emotion.
Still, Prince Lu Ten prayed to all the gods and spirits that there wouldn't be war once his revered grandfather left this mortal plane. But should it happen he hoped he could bring his beloved to his side or at least make her stay out of the fighting.
Of course he felt concern for the world he was supposed to one day rule, but the real reason he prayed for a peaceful resolution was because he knew for a fact that he wouldn't be able to sacrifice her for the world's sake.
Iroh was right, Azula's claws were indeed planted far too deep in his heart.
But he had to be wise when it came to defending her and chose his battles carefully. The fact that his father didn't mention her could be seen as an affront. He however couldn't avenge each and every one, in good part for her sake.
Letting it appear as if Azula was controlling each and every action taken and word uttered by him would eventually only hurt her. Ultimately, men might accept her commanding them, but only as long as she answered to at least one of their kind.
Such concerns however, could hopefully be settled at another time. Lu Ten would remain alert like always but the current moment was seeming ever more to require relaxation, merriment and an appreciation for jokes. Iroh's following words would confirm it.
„Colleagues, gentlemen, friends. I am pleased to announce that my young nephew, Prince Zuko, has almost overthrown me!"
Lu Ten could clearly see his elder cousin's neck tighten. He likely would have choked on his drink had his lips been on his glass. Fortunately, the gathered commanders loudly laughed and cheered, putting Zuko somewhat at ease. Still, Lu Ten put a reassuring hand on Zuko's shoulder, signaling to him to remain calm. Iroh continued.
„It seems I'm no longer the sole dragon of this great nation."
Zuko looked up to his uncle in bewilderment, eyes begging to resolve the riddle he was speaking in as soon as possible. The old man quickly obliged by saying.
„I may have slain a beast of fire roaming the sky but my nephew here has done something equally great, maybe even greater. He has sent a monster of the ocean, a beast few could have even imagined, much fewer still faced, to the darkest bottom to rot, single handedly! I am certain that the poets will sing of this in due time but let us all together here savor the accomplishment. Let's give our fearless young man the recognition he earned. Let's make sure that Prince Zuko will forever be known as The Dragon of the Sea!"
For a moment Zuko's entire world seemed unreal. All the men assembled, including his cousin and uncle raised their fists into the air with pride, loudly proclaiming his new title in thundering unison.
„Dragon of the Sea!"
He was speechless, unable to move, inside his chest his heart melted. The feeling was indescribable, almost unfamiliar, yet he knew instantly that he wanted it, that he wanted even more of it, that he would crave it.
There were moments in his life he felt confident to describe as honor, glory, splendor, but this overwhelming appreciation from the most senior, successful and hardened warriors of his nation was something else entirely. They weren't calling him a hero, they were declaring him to be a legend.
Zuko still felt raptured even after the cheers and adulations died down. He was so lost in the moment that his cousin needed to stir him back into the present by pushing his shoulder.
However, the young prince wasn't always best with words, something his uncle was fortunately aware of. Thus, before the curious questions of the commanders could turn into an uncomfortable interrogation, Iroh clapped his hands once again and on that signal, a band of musicians flocked in and began applying their trade.
Along with them came a flock of girls, dancing and carrying drinks, who were to put it politely, rather lightly dressed.
Though he tried averting his eyes, instinct compelled Zuko to at least steal a glance, something his uncle more than noticed. After calling his name to get his attention, the old general asked him.
„How long has it been?"
„Has what been?"
Iroh's knowing glance to one of the girls closest nearby answered the question, causing Zuko to uncomfortably tense up once he understood the implication. His mind soon cast the image of Mai before his eyes.
Mai. His fiancee.
Though he thought about her every day, she was far away, and not just in leagues, knots and miles. Zuko knew better than to openly express doubts and jealousy in front of her, or in writing, but uncertainty still gnawed at him, eating away at him a parcel at a time. His own letters to her were gushing, joyful and filled with longing, always. However, hers were starting to get shorter and more terse. Not that Mai was ever a beacon of sunshine and cuddliness but the young prince knew, or thought he knew, his fiancee well.
He knew when she was being affectionate and when not, and lately, affection was ever harder to detect. The thought that his beloved could detach herself from him completely was still inconceivable. After all, he had made her unsuitable for marriage for any other noble, her family and their fortune depended on them both going through the ceremony one day soon. So what was it then?
Though he would have loved to, even he couldn't blame Azula this time. The friendship between the two girls, who knew each other since childhood, had dramatically ended years ago and never resumed. Mai had chosen him. That his lover could choose someone else over him in turn was a dark thought that sometimes intruded on his soul. It was logically possible but unacceptable.
Still, the fact that his younger sister was so close to the man promised to her at all times while he was separated from the warmth of his woman angered him, very much at times. Did Azula have to kiss their cousin right in front of him and make such a sloppy, sweet sound while doing it too? When he turned his gaze away from the sight earlier, he swore he could see her wicked, satisfied grin following him. He would have loved to wipe it off her face. His anger at her had quickly turned into anger at himself when, for a moment, he felt the strong impulse to show her that he was better than Lu Ten, but not at firebending or any other martial skill.
Speaking of Lu Ten, the son of the heir quickly picked up on his cousin's sudden tenseness. Oftentimes, Zuko felt like he was the least perceptive of his family. The following exchange between his two family members present quickly unfolded.
"Your idea or common agreement?" Lu Ten asked.
"Both."
"Who is it?"
"The best of the best." Iroh calmly, confidently said.
"Good choice."
Lu Ten then put his arm around Zuko in a fraternal hold and told him:
"Sorry cousin, you'll have to do it. But you won't regret it later."
It was in this moment that the young prince wished he was an earthbender, for he would have liked nothing more than to dig up a hole with one move and disappear in it. If only his intense stare at the ground before him could achieve that. Thinking back to the confidence and pride he felt only shortly before he at last managed to ask.
„Why?"
„Because the men would feel unappreciated, especially now that they have celebrated you. Some gifts just cannot be refused."
Though his cousin's tone was warm, kind even, Zuko couldn't help but feel condescended. He could feel the emotion he was most familiar with, anger, rising from the pit of his stomach.
„Why should that be true? Why should it apply to me, to us? We are…"
Lu Ten frowned, quite intensely, his features suddenly much more scary than usual. He then spoke in a hushed voice, intended to order his cousin not to raise his own too loudly again.
„Yes, we and the dragons of old are one blood, but our human form binds us to certain human conventions. The game is indeed dangerous. If we don't at least sometimes act like regular people, those people will see nothing but monsters in us and seek to overthrow our power. If you want any kind of real might for yourself then better start making sacrifices for it. Much harder sacrifices will await you than merely sticking it into a pretty girl. So go make us proud, Dragon of the Sea."
Was this really the price for the glory he achieved, Zuko wondered. He now realized with no small amount of bitterness that despite doing the legendary feat he was praised for so loudly before, his cousin still saw himself as his superior. Zuko knew he couldn't display open fury against him, yet he still asked Lu Ten with quite some rage in his voice.
„What about you, are you going to do the same thing tonight?"
Azula must have rubbed off on him, for Zuko hated the calm confidence with which Lu Ten replied.
„I've earned the right to refuse every once in a while by doing it often enough. Moreover, let me tell you something about women. They will much sooner forgive infidelity than weakness, shame and loss of status."
„You don't mean just Mai but my..."
"Her too. She might hate what she has to endure but she does it anyway. That's one of the reasons I love her. Much more than any other girl in my life, despite never having lain with her so far. Still, I've promised her restraint on my part until our wedding, and I intend to keep the promise."
Zuko used the fact that his cousin's body stance and tone were much softer again and asked.
"So why can't I refuse?"
Lu Ten returned the kinder tone yet still answered.
"Because this offer of appreciation and thanks is still an order. You might be a prince but you're still a soldier, and good soldiers follow orders."
Though Zuko wasn't forced to comply immediately, he knew he couldn't delay forever. Some time later he found himself at the door of another, smaller, way more private tent, his heart beating in his ears. He had to act before that sound became overwhelming, before his feet fused with the ground. At last he breathed in deeply, took the deciding step forward and found himself inside.
The sight was more stunning and enticing than promised.
She was young, beautiful, cute in the face, with big eyes, and very gifted in her bodily charms. She was sitting on a rich, comfortable divan, looking up at the prince, eyeing him with both curiosity and zeal. The prince felt it incumbent upon him to say the first words, if only his throat didn't feel so tight. Killing men and monsters in the heat of battle certainly felt easier. Yet he raised his right hand in greeting and said.
"Hi!"
"Heyyy!" the girl responded, grinning ear to ear. With a tap of her hand on the divan she invited Zuko to sit next to her.
Her gaze followed him on his way, her smile never fading. The prince had known that kind of look in the eyes of women before. He was certainly not unwelcome. It was just that the long stretches of time Zuko spent at sea, surrounded only by men, made him sometimes forget what an effect his mere presence could have on the opposite sex.
Once he sat next to her, he turned to face her. He had surprisingly little problem looking her in the eyes, her face was just as beautiful a sight to behold as her very visible chest. A rare occurrence, he almost involuntarily thought.
"My name's Zuko." he said, grateful that he didn't stammer.
"Jin." the girl replied, stretching out her hand towards him.
After a slight delay, Zuko had the presence of mind to take her hand into his. The softness of her skin made him shiver, but not as much as her following words.
"Feel free to kiss it."
There was levity in her tone, yet the prince could sense it wasn't entirely a joke, thus he obliged, not knowing what else to do. As his lips met Jin's hand he swore he could feel her shiver in turn, in pleasure.
"Looking forward to having you kiss the rest of my body."
Initially, Zuko felt more naked and exposed than she looked. The clothes she wore left little to the imagination. Yet the fact that she seemed so comfortable, even excited for him, put him somewhat at ease, though not completely. For one, he didn't know how to continue the talk. Thus, he picked up on the color of the few clothes Jin did wear and noticed they were green.
"You from the Earth Kingdom?"
Jin nodded quickly, enthusiastically, one might even say proudly. Though, her face changed into one of concern when she noticed that Zuko had trouble finding his next words.
"Is that a problem for you?"
"No! No, it's just…"
The young prince's horrified face was proof enough of his sincerity to Jin. She touched his hand once again to calm him, then softly said.
"It's alright, I believe you. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Is this your initiation?"
Zuko's shock had now turned into confusion.
"Initiation?"
"Well, it seems very common among your people that when a young man proves his manliness he's rewarded with the joy of becoming a man, you know."
Once Zuko figured out the implication, he responded, somewhat wounded.
"I have been with a woman before."
"But not with one of my trade?"
Jin's voice wasn't accusing, but simply curious, almost compassionate.
"Trade?"
"Paid professional lovemaker."
Zuko's gaze turned away from her, his head sunk.
"No."
Gently, Jin lifted his chin up with her left hand and spoke with as much sincerity as she could convey.
"Well, let me assure you. Everytime you are with a new woman it's another first time. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Besides, I'm always happy to have a client closer to my age. Older guys can be really nice, but it's pleasant to have someone who is still young, rather than trying to recapture his youth. Plus, it's a nice thing to gift somebody more experience, especially someone as handsome as you."
Zuko did indeed find her voice, words and look strangely reassuring. All his life he was reprimanded, taunted and punished for even the slightest mistake, taught to hide weakness and uncertainty, never acknowledge incompetence or inexperience.
"You really think so?"
Jin answered without words at first, with a quick yet gentle peck, tantalizingly close to his lips, turning her lover for the night red in the face.
The nature of her profession made it essential for Jin to read people quickly. She was more than entranced by the walking contradiction that was prince Zuko. On one hand it was clear that he was a hardened warrior, his alluring body strengthened through battle and rigorous training. Yet there was something gentle about him, something not even his short temper could hide. It made him awkwardly stumble over his words and gestures but it made it all the more clear that he was the type of man who always strived to do the right thing, and that in that regard he wouldn't settle for anything less than perfection.
This gave her an idea.
"Would you like to wine and dine me first?"
Zuko's eyes lit up just like Jin hoped and he said.
"Sure, yeah, if that's what you like. But how?
"I just thought someone with a dueling mark would have impeccable honor, give a lady a good evening first."
Though he didn't like speaking about his scar, being called honorable was something that never failed to make him happy. Being around Jin was certainly starting to become less of an ordeal. For the first time he fully and openly smiled, saying.
"Thank you. But I meant how are we going to get food and drinks?"
Jin in turn happily snickered and responded.
"The night is still young, there are some good places around the camp. I'm sure you'll enjoy them too, I hope. Let me just dress for the occasion."
Zuko nodded, after which Jin got up and moved to her wardrobe, making sure her royal patron had ample opportunity to admire her backside.
Not too far however, at her own tent, Azula didn't have such a good time, feeling a jolt of discomfort she couldn't quite explain.