Fifty-five years ago.
It was a routine morning within the Fire Nation Palace. Everyone from the royal family to the humblest servants performed their duties flawlessly. However, the palace was twice as active with the recent birth of Fire Lord Zenki's heir, Prince Zaou.
The imperial nursemaids frequently told everyone downstairs how precious the newborn prince was and that they had high hopes that he would grow into a righteous leader for their homeland. While all the other household servants were gushing over the young prince, one young, attractive but dissatisfied housekeeper remained in the dark corner, rolling their eyes, and her dark-painted lips twisted into an almost permanent scowl at the mere mention of the child.
All this particular servant desired was to cut everyone tounge out who was gushing over the nasty child! The bitter young woman loathed children due to her wretched childhood because she'd grown up being groomed to be a simple chambermaid—a worthless and insignificant position!
She scowled further, listening to the other servent's children's voices outside the kitchen window. Raging at their joyful laughter reminded her of how she detested the Fire Lord's devotion to reading and educational opportunities. If that fool honestly cared, he would've done more for his servants than grant their children the right to a formal education. As the Fire Lord, he could've made them all high-ranking individuals or arranged marriages so they could get out of serving swine like him!
Glancing at a mirror, the young servant looked at herself with disdain. It was hard to believe this attractive young lady was Sumiko when she was young. However, it was. Not many individuals back then or in the present knew anything concerning Sumiko's parentage. Her embarrassment of a father had been an imperial gardener. Her worthless mother had passed away when she was two due to dragon pox. She hadn't held a high-ranking position either, as she had only been the caretaker of the palace zoo.
Neither of her parents' appointments had any genuine power or significance. Sumiko dug her long, sharp nails into her palms, which bled slightly. She was still fuming inside from how unfortunate she'd been to be born to two people who couldn't care less about making more of themselves. Mistress Hina, the leader of the palace servants, stood up. Hina was a tall, voluptuous woman in her mid-forties but still looked vastly younger. She had well-sculpted features, almond-shaped honey-colored eyes, and flawless ivory skin. Her thick, silky, ebony locks were styled in a sophisticated chignon bun. Her silk robes were much finer and more colorful than the rest of the servants.
She smiled cheerfully, showing off her flawless teeth before speaking in a melodious voice. "Before our breakfast, we should thank Agni and Alanna for blessing us and our nation. So please let us recite our daily prayer," she instructed her charges, whom she saw as her extended family. Everyone but Sumiko valued this daily ritual. However, she only mouthed the prayers while glaring hatefully at the people around her.
She was thinking, "Why are we wasting time thanking imaginary spirits? They don't exist! Hina is such a pain in my ass! Repeatedly telling me to smile and be more thoughtful! Ha! Compassion doesn't matter in the real world! Empathy only makes you worthless and naive! I won't be one of these fools forever!
Since I'm the only one who comprehends that having a high rank and power is the only way to succeed and be respected, however, unlike these numskulls, I much rather govern through fear! Fearing someone with power is much more satisfactory then respect! When I become the new head of the servants, I'll do away with all this ludicrous hogwash! That's a promise I intend to keep!"
Hina's musical voice cut through Sumiko's treacherous thoughts. "Sumiko? Will you kindly pay attention?"
The young Sumiko quickly turned to the bitch who was addressing her with a disgusted expression. "Yes, Mistress Hina?" she asked as sweetly as possible.
Mistress Hina wasn't fooled by the endearing tone of Sumiko's voice. However, she still respectfully addressed her. "I have a particular task for you to complete today. Fire Lord Zenki's best friend, Lord Kazan, is coming for afternoon tea. I would appreciate it if you went to the market to fetch the latest exotic teas and some pastries. Please don't dawdle and be back by one sharp. Thank you," Hina said before she headed over to check on another girl who appeared to have broken her wrist.
With Hina's back turned, Sumiko glared daggers at the younger servant, who quickly fibbed how she broke her wrist. The other girl looked precisely like Lian and was unmistakably her grandmother. Judging by the sheer terror in her copper eyes when she gazed at Sumiko for a split second, she didn't want to let Mistress Hina know that Sumiko had injured her yesterday after a petty dispute.
Satisfied that Lifen wouldn't snitch, Sumiko rushed to the market to procure the exotic tea for today's tea party. She became more aggravated by the long line. "Ugh, does everyone need tea today?" she muttered furiously.
Unexpectedly, a jovial voice called out to Sumiko. "Good morning, Sumiko! How are you on this gorgeous day?" questioned a young woman who looked exactly like Aguya. There were a few distinctions. Mayumi styled her hair in an elaborate bun with lovely pink blossoms woven into it. She also wore a cherry-pink kimono embellished with golden flowers.
"Morning, Mayumi," Sumiko addressed her only friend. "I presume you're here for some exotic tea as I am?" she questioned in a rather bored tone.
Mayumi beamed cheerfully. "Yes, I am. Lord Kazan also wants me to select a gift for the newborn prince. Perhaps you could help me choose an appropriate gift?" Mayumi kindly requested.
"Must I, Mayumi? You know I can't stand children. How would I know what to get a baby?" she answered crossly. Her attractive features once again twisted into a disgruntled expression. Despite Mayumi being her only friend, they infrequently saw eye to eye.
Mayumi's expression transformed into one of deep hurt. She didn't understand why her friend consistently seemed in a nasty mood. Back in their school days, she'd been much more friendly and kindhearted. However, as the years passed, she had only become more sour.
"I don't understand why you've such a burning passion against children. I understand sometimes they can be loud and disorderly, yet everyone starts as a child. Therefore, I do not understand how you can hate a child when you were one yourself at one point." she logically replied as she smoothed over her stunning pink silk kimono.
"I couldn't wait for my childhood to be over, Mayumi. Eighteen long, depressing years of unwanted memories. I was ecstatic when it was finally over!" Sumiko declared happily as the line for tea ultimately began to move. As the line slowly moved, the two friends chitchatted some more. Mayumi recounted how kind Lord Kazan was and how he took the time to get all who served his household as individuals.
She adored that he allowed all servants to celebrate their birthdays and gave them the day off during their country's holidays. "He's such a gentleman, Sumiko! He never said a bad word about anyone. He's a wonderful young man. He even had this kimono made specifically for me for my birthday last month. He always throws such delightful parties and treats us like family!" Mayumi sighed happily.
"He's just pretending to be nice. Everyone knows people above our station don't care about us! I will admit he's quite a catch! He's a fine specimen; wealth and status equal the Fire Lord.
Do you realize how much our lives would improve if he took one of us for his wife? You're pretty, Mayumi, don't get me wrong. However, I'm unquestionably a better choice as a wife. My magnificence is far superior to yours, and I'd be a more suitable wife then anyone else! I know it! I've got the looks and studied everything there is to know about high society!" Sumiko replied with great enthusiasm.
Mayumi suppressed her feelings regarding her friend's dangerous ambitions. Yes, Sumiko was attractive. However, even Mayumi knew there was more to love then being good-looking. Around this time, they picked up their tea and headed back to their respective households. When Mayumi returned to her employer's mansion, he seemed overeager to see her.
"Hello, Mayumi! How was your trip to town? Did you find a suitable gift?" Kazan asked kindly.
Mayumi paused momentarily since she agreed with her friend that Lord Kazan was handsome. Mayumi cared not for background or looks. Instead, she cared about someone's soul and character. She also knew that's what Lord Kazan cared about. She never revealed to Sumiko, not wanting to upset her, but she and Kazan had long been more then just a master and servant.
She bowed respectfully before replying. "I'm sorry, my Lord. I forgot. However, I did sew a toy for the prince in case I forgot. So you'll have a gift for him when you arrive for afternoon tea."
"Thank you, Mayumi. That sounds much more suitable since it was made with love. What did you choose to sew?" he questioned kindly.
"I sewed a beautiful dragon. I hope the dear prince loves it."
"I'm sure he will. Come, tea time, not till three. Why don't we have a late breakfast together? I'd love to hear more about how your day went."
"Thank you, Kazan, that would be most delightful," as Mayumi headed off to change for her late breakfast. The breakfast went remarkably well. However, Kazan once again encouraged her to cut ties with Sumiko. He'd heard enough regarding her from his best friend and Mistress Hina. Mayumi argued she was her best friend. Kazan pointed out once again all the attributes that proved Sumiko wasn't a genuine friend. Her behavior demonstrated she was a dangerous individual.
Mayumi didn't think twice until she found out that Sumiko had been attempting to seduce her employer for over a year. Hearing that, she finally had to acknowledge that Sumiko was toxic and needed to be cut off. Little did Mayumi know that cutting ties with Sumiko would be the biggest mistake of her life!