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Shopping with the Princess – Chapter Ten
When the two noblewomen finally caught up to Azula.
They were unnerved to find her guiding the innocent girl through a shop full of deadly weaponry.
"Azula, why in Agni's name did you bring Elle here?" Ty Lee asked with discomfort in her voice.
"For two reasons, Ty Lee. One, to show off my power in the bending arena, and two, my pet needs a weapon." Azula explained to Ty Lee's horror while she continued to lead the girl by a large array of lethal swords.
"But she is a pacifist." Mai stated in deadpan only for Azula to wave her objection off with a roll of her eyes.
"Nonsense. I will find something that suits her." Azula remarked while the girl peered up at her clearly intimidated by the massive weapon store.
"I-I'm scared of these weapons, Azula-sama." Elle admitted while Azula came to a stop before a wide selection of swords.
"That is only because you have not been taught how to wield one. I could teach you if you like." Azula informed to the rising horror of her subordinates.
"Azula…you are scaring the girl. She doesn't want to be in a weapon store." Mai attempted to reason once more in a sterner voice.
"C-could you teach me about mathematics, science and history instead?" Elle requested in a mousy voice as if afraid that she would disappoint her mistress.
"Of course! I can teach you all of that and more. I have taken a romantic interest in you. There is nothing that I can't or won't teach you." Azula announced as an expression of delight came over the girl's face.
The direct statement came across as a shock to even Ty Lee.
"Y-you have? Me? Y-you are interested in me?" Elle stuttered as she felt her heart skip a beat while Azula snorted derisively.
"I would have thought that would have been obvious by now. I am your princess charming. Am I not?" Azula scoffed while folding her arms over her chest as if attempting to loom over the girl even more than she already does.
She has come to enjoy the girl's small size.
Petite yet still oh so lovely.
"Y-yes! You are my princess charming!" Elle squealed while grasping at the woman's belly while the princess smirked in gratification.
"Of course, I am. There is no princess as powerful as me. It is becoming clear to me that I am the prime romantic candidate for you. And I feel as if you may well fit me." Azula commented while holding an elegant hand to her chin as she smiled down at the joyous girl.
"Since when is Azula the 'prime romantic candidate' for anyone?" Mai asked openly while never caring if her leader overheard her.
"She seems to think that she needs to flaunt her power before Elle. She thinks that because Elle is sweet and delicate that only the most powerful will suit her." Ty Lee explained while smiling awkwardly when Mai scrunched up her nose in puzzlement.
She really can't blame Mai.
It really didn't make any sense.
"I-I am so excited! I really want to get to know you further, Princess. Please give this loyal servant a chance to please you." Elle pleaded while tugging on Azula's robes while she gazed down at her pleased by her words.
"As I would like to get to know you. Now, there is much for us to do and more. But I really don't approve of your pacifism. I strongly believe that you should carry at least a small dagger." Azula spoke while gesturing about the shop with cold amber golden eyes.
Even Mai shivered at the terrifyingly casual statement.
This poor girl was more liable to stab herself with a dagger than anyone else!
"B-but I am not physically built for that, Azula-sama. I have a health condition that prohibits excessive activity. I cannot do combat training." Elle tried to explain only for the princess to pull her forward.
"All the more reason that I am the ideal partner for you. You clearly need someone of great power. Just the same. What if you need to defend yourself?" Azula demanded while they stopped before a display of daggers.
"Azula…you are really beginning to scare us." Ty Lee urged while standing behind the two as her leader inspected the daggers.
"I trust you to protect me now. You and my big sisters." Elle answered sweetly with her words touching each of the three women's heart in some manner.
"I am pleased to hear that you have such faith in me and my team. But I would still feel more comfortable if you at least carried a dagger on you. What about this one?" Azula spoke with her hands on her hips while pointing at an elegant red blade.
"Azula, you claim you like the girl, but you aren't listening to her." Mai stated in growing anger while glaring at the selfish woman's back.
It truly disgusted her that Azula seemed to think that it was acceptable to try to force the girl to alter her behavior.
"It…looks…terrifying." Elle mumbled lamely while her shoulders slumped as she began to dread upsetting her princess.
"Try holding it." Azula insisted as she grasped the dagger while attempting to deposit it into the shaky girl's hands.
"Please stop it, Azula! She is not a fighter. She is not having fun anymore." Ty Lee exclaimed while Azula's lips curved into a scowl in her frustration.
"S-sumimasen, Azula-sama. But I can't hold this." Elle announced while fearfully pushing the dagger away.
"Is it too large?" Azula commented with a frown while placing the weapon back in its place.
"N-no. I don't like knives. Felix liked knives. S-sumimasen." Elle confessed with her head hanging low while the princess glanced down at her with marginally widened eyes.
The statement was a gruesome one that hinted that her brother may have tortured her in very sadistic ways.
The affect had such an intense change in the atmosphere that Ty Lee pulled the girl away from the knives while casting the princess a warning stare.
"That is enough of this, Azula. If you want to show her your bending that is fine. But she doesn't want a weapon." Ty Lee spoke with a protective voice while her princess gazed down at the girl after finally relenting.
"I see. So that is the issue. Very well. I hope that I did not upset you too badly." Azula remarked in an ever composed voice while she peered down at her pet with faint concern in her callous stare as her friends gazed on in amazement.
"No. I am not upset. I am overjoyed that you are my princess charming." Elle assured while twiddling her thumbs while Ty Lee gazed down at her smiling once more.
"Hm. Indeed, it has a nice ring to it. How would you like to accompany me to the bending arena? So that you can see my power first hand?" Azula pondered with a hand on her chin while she smiled confidently when Elle grasped at her left hand.
"Please, Your Highness. Show your loyal servant your power…" Elle trailed off passionately as she gazed up into smug amber golden eyes.
"Splendid. I shall show you my power first hand. Come, my pet." Azula declared once more before guiding her little admirer past her sighing friends.
The two watched the princess lead the girl out of the weapon shop before Mai turned to Ty Lee.
"Most people go to the pet store or the animal shelter when they want a pet. Why did Azula pick up a homeless girl from an alley?" Mai questioned as Ty Lee shrugged her shoulders in response.
"Don't ask me. I am glad that Elle is around. I just wish…that Azula would cut back on the control. At least…a bit." Ty Lee answered while following after their leader once again.
About ten minutes later the two noblewomen entered the large arena to comically find firebenders fleeing the arena in terror.
Soon they heard the princess's voice resonating from the center of the arena.
The two stepped in to see Elle seated alone on a bench while she peered down at Azula with childish awe in her amber eyes.
Azula stood in a wall of blue fire while she watched last few firebenders flee in disgust.
"Cowards! And you call yourselves firebenders!" Azula snapped with her arms folded over her breasts while she exhaled azure fire.
"She was going to fight arena firebenders? I don't blame them for running." Mai stated dryly before seating herself beside Elle while gazing down at the excited girl.
"Azula-sama's fire is so amazing!" Elle cheered out innocently while gazing down with entranced eyes as Ty Lee sat on the opposite side of her.
The only strange thing was that the girl seemed to have already forgotten that it was these very flames that burned two girls just hours ago.
"Is Azula giving you a good show, little sister?" Ty Lee greeted while slipping an arm over the smaller girl's shoulder.
"Mhm! I really like, Azula-sama. I-I really feel like she cares about me." Elle confided quietly while Ty Lee gazed down at her warmly.
"She does. She…just doesn't know how to socialize." Ty Lee answered while Mai rolled her eyes.
"That is putting it mildly." Mai snorted while Elle nibbled one what was left of her treat.
"Well…it matters not. I can practice just as well alone. It is all the same to me. They would have only gotten in the way. Watch closely, my little admirer. I've been training my bending for several years now. I will show you a few of my new techniques…that not even Ty Lee and Mai have seen!" Azula called out while peering up at the young girl with charming amber golden eyes.
Her lips were curved into a confidence smirk before she sunk into a bending stance that had soon had Elle's mouth hanging open in amazement.
Her words took both Mai and Ty Lee aback as they glanced at one another with the only answer from one another being a puzzled shrug.
It was now known that the Avatar had spent six years in a coma in hiding with his friends before reappearing on the Day of the Black Sun.
The princess had grown from a fourteen-year-old girl into a twenty-year-old adult.
During the six-year lull they have had little involvement on the front lines.
Because it was thought that the Avatar was dead and that they had won the Avatar.
Azula had been spending large portions of her time bending in private.
But they weren't aware that she had created any new techniques.
"New techniques? Azula created her own techniques?" Ty Lee pondered in a mix of awe and newfound fear as she watched as large plumes of blue flame began to spark across the arena.
She could only sink back in her seat with widened eyes to see just how strong her friend had gotten over this six-year lull.
It was truly astonishing.
She had never given it much thought until now that Azula had gotten stronger.
This was the first time that she has seen her practice in several years!
Even Mai stared down at the arena with shock in her eyes to witness just how much Azula has advanced her bending.
Azula slid her left boot which immediately produced a pillar of blue fire that spiraled to the height of the ceiling all the while Elle's younger eyes followed her movements in admiration.
This was closely followed up by a spellbinding array of elegant kicks and punched while Azula continued to perform her firebending dance.
All the while her domineering eyes would gaze up in her admirer's direction vastly pleased to see that she had stunned not only the submissive girl but her childhood friends as well.
"Azula is…really taken her bending to a whole new level..." Ty Lee trailed off in mutual awe while staring down at the princess's dance with an intimidated gaze.
At this point Azula just might be getting stronger than her father!
Mai said nothing in response as she sat there in a state of speechless silence all the while Elle still sat with her mouth agape between the two of them.
"Azula-sama…is so incredible…I didn't know that she was this strong." Elle breathed out a tone of pure amazement while the two noblewomen gazed down at her.
She sat underneath Ty Lee's arm all the while never ceasing in admiring her mistress's divine body that moved about with such grace.
"I'm quite certain that she heard you Elle." Ty Lee stated with a soft smile on her lips despite her still present fear of the princess.
Although it was lessened somewhat thanks to their earlier talk.
Azula seemed to be trying to treat them better.
She had to give her credit for that.
"Feast your little eyes on this, my servant." Azula remarked while sliding her feet backwards with a proud look about her as her right hand fell down to her side.
Almost as if she were preparing to draw a sword!
Then she sunk into yet another bending stance while her subordinates continued to gaze on in bewilderment only to widen their eyes when a sword of blue fire formed beneath her fingertips.
Then with truly frightening speed the princess dashed across the arena before slicing straight through a stone pillar.
It thunderously tore in two before crumbling into a pile of rubble all the while the three gaped in awe.
A bead of sweat was streaming down Mai's cheek while she tried to suppress her long-hidden fear of Azula.
"My princess is so strong." Elle spoke with spellbound respect lacing her innocent voice as she sat peering down at the woman's magnificent image.
The sword of fire promptly vanished from Azula's hand just as she extended two fingers before her with her eyes narrowed into a focused stare.
"She is…not really going to bend lightning with these people around, is she?" Mai pondered in a slight break from her monotone only to receive a wordless answer in the form of crackling lightning at her fingertips.
Then to the complete disbelief of the two noblewomen that watched as Azula sunk backwards generating the lightning near instantaneously.
"Watch closely, Elle. Don't you dare even look away!" Azula commanded with her refined voice resonating through the air.
It was becoming quite apparent to Mai and Ty Lee that no matter how they felt about the matter…
Azula truly dominated young Elle in every way shape or form.
The princess had to but speak and the girl was already nodding with a lovable look of adulation in her amber eyes.
"Y-yes! As you say, Azula-sama. Always as my princess charming says." Elle agreed while leaning forward on her knees as she beamed down at the beautiful light show.
Energy sparkled and danced upon the tip of the regal woman's two outstretched fingers just before releasing a mighty bolt of lightning.
It promptly exploded into the wall of the arena all the while Azula stood with her fists falling to her sides with her lips curling into a smug smile.
Silence was all that reigned while Azula turned to peer up at their astounded faces with her ego clearly rising to even greater heights.
"So…what do you think?" Azula questioned while glancing up at Elle with right fist clenched upon her shapely hip all the while smiling up at the girl.
"Why…is Azula acting like a hormonal boy?" Mai muttered beside Ty Lee as they both peered down at their younger companion's awed face.
It truly was adorable in a strange fashion watching Elle gaze upon Azula as if she was some kind of hero from an ancient fairy tale.
And just as peculiar was witnessing the princess of the Fire nation strut for a commoner girl from a seemingly unknown foreign land.
The two were complete polar opposites…
And yet they were oddly drawn to one another.
"Wow! You can create lightning! T-that was just awe inspiring!" Elle cheered in such an innocent manner that Ty Lee couldn't help but smile despite her shock.
"Hm. I can. That and more. I still have two more new techniques under my belt. But that…will have to wait for another day." Azula responded while brushing her bangs from her eyes with her amber golden gaze never leaving her young admirer's face.
The simple yet ominous words 'two more' sent a shiver down the spines of Ty Lee and even Mai.
Not only has Azula mastered instantaneous lightning, but has also effortlessly created a pillar of fire technique.
With but a mere twitch of her foot she can attack and defend.
Not to mention that she was the first firebender that they have seen bend a sword of flames!
"Y-you are so strong, Azula-sama! So mighty! My mistress is the strongest there is!" Elle announced as she stood up while gazing down at the princess's lovely visage with childish reverence in her gaze.
Judging by the manner in which Azula's lips curved into a prideful smile it would appear that her performance had the intended affect.
"Humph! Of course, I am. Now…I demand that you return to my side at once!" Azula barked with a loud snap of her fingers in an unbelievably spoiled manner.
Ty Lee and Mai couldn't help but sigh heavily over the princess's controlling behavior.
Yet it would seem that it didn't bother Elle in the least.
Not if her scampering was anything to go by.
All the while as they watched humorously as the girl darted through bench after bench to reach the princess's side.
"Yes, Azula-sama! As Her Highness commands!" Elle exclaimed while finally coming to a stop before the older woman.
She panted slightly while peering up at her commanding visage with adoring little eyes while her callous stare scrutinized her breathing.
"Azula! You…shouldn't make her run like that!" Ty Lee complained with her arms folded over her breasts while frowning all the while.
This breathing issue seemed…unnaturally severe.
It was…quite sad to watch such a young girl be so hindered by such a debilitating condition.
She was beginning to realize that Azula was most surely correct about her belief that this would enrage her father.
In the eyes of a ruthless man like Ozai.
Not one of Elle's adorable tributes to the princess mattered.
Nor her limitless love for Azula.
All that mattered was that Elle was low borne and just as damning…is the fact that she was seemingly ill.
She truly, truly hoped that Azula would protect Elle now and when she inherits the throne.
"You barely even ran that far, and your breathing is this bad?" Azula demanded with her eyes narrowing as she loomed over her exhausted admirer.
"S-sumimasen, Azula-sama, for being so w-weak." Elle stuttered while hanging her head with her low self esteem once more coming to the surface.
"You are very weak. Quite possibly the weakest…but I am also one of the strongest benders in the entire world. It is incredibly apparent to me that a woman of my strength is the prime fit for you." Azula spoke just as she slid her fingertip beneath Elle's chin while forcing the girl to meet her controlling gaze.
Elle began to blush despite her breath difficulty all the while marveling over the princess's flawless countenance.
"O-oh, my mighty princess charming…" Elle mumbled while teetering on the woman's long fingertip all the while smiling shyly up at her.
"Aww…" Ty Lee gushed once more while ignoring Mai's deadpan stare.
"Hm. I rather like the sound of that. Now. I will not allow it to be said that there was a problem beyond the brilliance of Princess Azula. Therefore, my little servant, in recognition of your undying loyalty I shall lend you my genius on the matter in question." Azula stated in a voice of supreme smugness as she waved her other hand before her smiling all the while.
"I don't think I can take much more of Azula's gigantic ego." Mai stated with annoyance lacing her voice while Ty Lee giggled with a hand over her mouth.
"Oh, come on, Mai. Azula is just trying to impress Elle…in her own twisted way." Ty Lee commented while staring down at Elle turning an adorable shade of red.
"I…am so happy to be in your service, Mistress Azula." Elle admitted with a wide smile overtaking her cheeks as she swooned under the princess's domineering amber golden gaze.
"On that we are in agreement. But for the time being I command you to breath at a more desirable rate! Disobey me and I will punish you!" Azula snapped while furrowing her lips into an imposing glare as Elle gulped nervously under the weight of her stare.
"Azula! You can't just command her to breathe normally! That is not how it works!" Ty Lee yelled out with her words falling on deaf ears.
"She isn't going to listen, Ty Lee." Mai replied once more in a bored undertone as she gazed away sighing.
"Y-yes, Azula-sama, as my mistress commands." Elle agreed in a submissive voice while she twiddled her thumbs under her princess's entrancing stare.
She has come to realize that she really enjoys the woman's commanding presence.
"What a good girl. So well trained…I like that. Now tell me. Did you enjoy my display of power?" Azula pondered while tilting her head in a questioning manner with her palm finally falling to her hip.
The sound of her two friends both groaning and sighing was completely disregarded by her ears.
"Little sister! Think carefully before you respond!" Ty Lee shouted down with her hands over her mouth while Mai observed in her usual deadpan manner.
"I-it was spellbinding. I…can't believe how strong you are. Oh, Azula-sama…I could just bask in your presence for all eternity." Elle confessed in a passionate voice while cutely averting her eyes from Azula's suddenly contemplative face.
Ty Lee smiled in rising nervousness after hearing the younger girl's innocent declaration.
Sadly…to Azula that was a resounding yes.
"You find my power spellbinding? You crave it so terribly that you desire to bow before me for all time?" Azula inquired with a gratified smile on her lovely lips while she held a finger to her chin humming thoughtfully.
The sound of Mai slapping her forehead resounded throughout the arena as she sighed heavily beneath her hand.
This girl does not consider the impact of her words before she speaks.
"I…confess that I do. I wish to be nowhere, but beside my princess charming. Under your rule…forevermore." Elle declared with joy in her voice while smiling so radiantly that princess couldn't resist smiling even wider herself.
"Her fate is sealed." Mai spoke while she leaned back beside the flinching Ty Lee while Azula planted her fists upon her hips.
"Perfect! Then I shall continue to subjugate you under my rule. I am confident that you will find my authority to your liking. Now…what do you wish to do next?" Azula announced strictly with her fists curling on her hips while smirking down at her lovely little pet.
"Yeah. I won't argue with you there." Ty Lee responded while she shook her head.
Yet even so she smiled.
So, what if Elle enjoyed Azula's overbearing nature?
If it made the girl happy and her leader treated her well.
Then where was the harm in it?
She flinched while realizing that there was a great deal of potential for possible harm.
But it was still cute!
"Um…either a bookstore or…a clothing store? If…my princess wishes to take me…" Elle muttered while kicking at the floor meekly.
"We shall visit both then. Elle, come! Ty Lee! Mai! Follow!" Azula bellowed with a snap of her fingers while the girl immediately scurried after her on her command.
The two noblewomen arose while gazing down with pity in their eyes as they watched the princess stride out of the arena with the girl hurrying at her heels.
The last they saw of their new young companion was the girl frantically padding after the controlling princess.
Elle's reddened face was the last thing they saw before the doors echoed shut behind them.
"I hope for her sake she never decides to leave the Fire Nation." Mai snorted while walking down the steps beside Ty Lee.
Ty Lee shivered while trailing after her power obsessed leader.
Her friend had a point.
The next they saw of Elle was as they strode into a large high-end clothing store only to cringe in pity for the girl over the scene they stumbled upon.
Elle standing timidly behind Azula while the princess scowled down at outfit after outfit while tossing each one over her shoulder in disapproval.
Never caring that she was creating a huge mess for the workers to clean up.
All the while a poor sales attendant knelt in fear on the floor while the two women gazed on in pity to see the spoiled woman barking orders at her.
"Ugh. You call this wear fit for aristocracy? This girl is my most prized servant. I insist that she is dressed to my liking." Azula complained in a voice of royal entitlement while her admirer stood quietly behind her with pink adorning her cheeks.
"Azula…I think that you are being too picky." Ty Lee suggested in a fearful voice while the woman whipped around to glare at them icily.
"Silence, Ty Lee. I am not picky. I simply have a refined sense of fashion!" Azula replied while gazing through the outfits with a discerning eye.
"I-I apologize, Your Highness! W-we will find something to your liking!" The sales attendant exclaimed in a fearful voice as she bowed low on the floor.
"One can only hope. Elle, come." Azula ordered while snapping her fingers loudly with the petite girl padding after her with a joyful smile on her lips.
"Yes Azula-sama. You are so authoritative!" Elle chirped with her big sisters following behind her all the while exchanging exasperated glances.
"Humph. I just knew that you would find my leadership to your liking…"Azula trailed off while striding off with her hands upon her swaying hips.
The fact that Azula was subtly swaying her hips for Elle spoke volumes about her interest in the younger girl.
"Finally, something promising." Azula commented before coming to a stop before a particular outfit that had her friends cringing in increased pity for the poor girl.
It was a display of Fire Nation military armor.
"Why are we looking at armor?" Mai inquired while turning to Azula with annoyance in her tawny eyes.
"Because Mai I feel as if the girl could benefit from a proper battle suit. She doesn't need weapons for me to teach her self-defense." Azula stated knowingly while turning to Elle as the girl stood beside her peering up at her with seemingly limitless patience.
"Azula, we are here to buy an outfit for a dinner…we are not taking Elle into a war zone." Ty Lee stated while she stood beside the girl with her hands at her sides.
"I…don't think I will be able to walk in that, Azula-sama." Elle attempted to reason while gazing dutifully up at the woman's taller frame.
"I am certain that you will adjust. Try the helmet on." Azula commanded while effortlessly lifting up the battle helmet before her embarrassed companions.
"Y-yes, Your Highness." Elle mumbled as she accepted the heavy helmet while peering down at it with puzzled amber eyes.
"This girl has the patience of a sage to even put up with you." Mai spoke while the princess stood observing while the girl slid the oversized helmet over her head.
"I have no idea what you are implying, Mai…" Azula remarked while folding her arms over her breasts while surveying the petite girl as the helmet enveloped her entire head.
"Um…I can't see. It is too big. It covers my eyes." Elle squeaked out in a mousy voice while she turned comically with the large helmet clanking on her shoulders.
"That is disappointing. It would appear that you are too small for the standard model." Azula grumbled while frowning down at the girl as she spun around nearly bumping into the wall.
Only for Ty Lee to grasp ahold of the girl while she turned to gaze at her princess with even her patience reaching its limit.
"S-sumimasen, Azula-sama." Elle murmured out lamely beneath the helmet.
"Azula…can we please just proceed to the formal wear?" Ty Lee pleaded while Azula tapped her boot on the floor as if deep in thought.
"It is no matter. I rather prefer your small size. I will simply order you a suit custom made." Azula informed while waving her hand before her face as she sighed.
"As you say." Elle agreed to the princess's delight while her big sister promptly removed the helmet from her shoulders.
"How about we let her pick out an outfit?" Mai advised in her usual monotone while Azula glanced back at her blinking.
"Let her make her own decisions?" Azula questioned while her two subordinates stared at her for what seemed like the longest moment.
"Yeah, Azula. It is only fair. She will be the one wearing it." Ty Lee answered while they gazed at the princess scrunching her nose up as if the concept was too much to ask.
"You are suggesting I refrain from controlling her life? Even if only for a few minutes?" Azula snorted while gazing down at her pet with her fists on her hips.
Even now Elle stood with her hands clutching her backpack all the while gazing up at the woman waiting for her next command.
"Yes." The two noblewomen responded in unison while the princess stared down at their adoptive baby sister.
"I suppose I will permit it. But I have the final say on the outfit of choice. If I disapprove…you will pick something else. Is that understood servant?" Azula declared in a controlling voice while glaring down at her rapidly nodding servant.
"Wakarimashita, Azula-sama!" Elle cheered while bowing low at the waist before her looming mistress.
"That is not really letting her choose." Ty Lee piped in an ignored voice while watching as Elle continued to bow to Azula.
"Good girl. You have my permission to browse the store now." Azula announced while waving her hand before her as Elle arose from her bow beaming up at her in adoration.
"As Her Highness commands!" Elle exclaimed as she nodded her head before Azula's looming visage before she turned to rush through the store.
"Hm. It would appear that I am a natural at even the dating scene. Just look at her. Spellbound by my superior charm." Azula commented in a self-important voice while striding ahead of her sighing friends.
"That incident on Ember Island says otherwise." Mai snorted while the princess glared at them over her shoulder.
"Please. That foolish boy was never worthy of me. No. I am finding that this girl is more of my type." Azula spoke while swiftly walking after her little pet while the girl stood adorably gasping at an outfit.
"Azula-sama! I found something I like!" Elle called out while turning to smile up at her approaching mistress.
The three highborn women stopped behind their younger friend to see the petite girl joyfully pointing at a fine red shirt complete with a golden skirt.
Elle gazed up at Azula while the princess inspected the outfit with a choosy eye all the while observing as the girl childishly tugged on her robes.
"Can I have it? Please? Please Azula-sama!" Elle cried out while staring up at her princess's stoic face.
"She really likes it, Azula. You should buy it for her." Ty Lee stated while giggling over Elle's lovable nature.
"Try it on first. That is an order." Azula demanded while pointing down at her young handmaid with a domineering stare as the girl nodded speedily.
"Yes, Azula-sama. As my princess charming commands." Elle agreed before she bowed respectfully at the waist while Azula's red lips curled into a pleased smile.
Then Azula turned to watch the girl scamper off into the changing booth all the while nodding her head in approval of the girl's submission.
"She is such a marvelous pet." Azula commented with the other two women staring at her in varying levels of discomfort.
"Azula! How many times do I have to tell you that she is not a pet!" Ty Lee protested only for her leader to snidely roll her eyes.
"You are just jealous that I found her first, Ty Lee." Azula boasted with her hands on her hips as she turned to smirk at her childhood friend while the other woman groaned in frustration.
"This day is not pink! Not pink at all!" Ty Lee growled out comically while her two friends observed in amusement.
That was when all three women were startled by a high-pitched scream that came from the girl's changing booth.
"Is someone in the booth?" Mai pondered as she rushed forward with Azula sprinting towards the stall with a trace of concern in her hardened gaze.
"G-get off me! Ahh! It's so big and hairy! Eeh! I-it's yellow! Azula-sama, save me!" Elle shouted in a terrified voice as the three finally reached the changing stall.
Needless to say.
It certainly sounded like a man was in changing booth attempting to do the unspeakable to the poor handmaid.
Team Azula exchanged concerned glances just when the mighty princess kicked the door open with one swing of her booted foot.
The princess's face was entrenched into a scowl while finding a sense of white-hot anger had overcome her at the thought of her admirer being molested in the stall.
Her hands were alit with blue fire only to find herself gazing into the booth with widened eyes.
Azula was quick to recover as she gazed into the stall now rolling her elegant amber golden eyes at the screaming girl.
"Whoever is in there you better…get out…huh?" Ty Lee blurted as she slid to a stop behind Azula while they all three of them gazed in taken aback by the sight.
"G-gross! What are you waiting for! G-get it off me!" Elle screamed in a hysterical voice as she hopped about with a large spider crawling across her bare back.
This was the first time they heard the girl take on a more forceful tone.
Elle continued to spin in a maddened circle in her panties all the while covering her developing chest.
"To think that I was actually worried." Mai spoke dryly before respectfully turning her back from the near naked girl.
"A spider? That is what this was all about? A small spider?" Azula snorted in a voice laced with amusement as she watched the girl hop onto the changing bench.
"Azula! Get it off her! It doesn't matter if it is just a spider. She is scared. Don't taunt her!" Ty Lee exclaimed while the princess sighed before striding into the booth.
"S-small! T-this is s-small! I-it's almost as big as my head! I-it's in my hair! I-it's in my hair! A-Azula-sama! Help me! I-it's on my face! I-I am going to have a heart attack!" Elle stammered while slamming into the wall as she shrieked when the large arachnid scampered across her eyes.
The two noblewomen exchanged a glance that conveyed how stunned they were over the girl's extreme fear of the spider.
That was when Azula stepped over Elle's smaller frame before speedily removing the arachnid from her handmaid's panicked face.
"Ugh! Calm yourself, servant! I have extracted the creature! All this fuss over a spider! I can't believe I thought for a moment that a man was in this stall!" Azula snapped while looming over Elle with the near naked girl still panting as she glanced about in a mad state of terror.
As she continued to scoff as she held the squirming spider before her hardened eyes.
"G-get that away from my head! O-or I am going to die of a panic attack! G-get rid of it, or I am running the opposite w-way, and never looking back!" Elle cried out in a surprisingly angered voice while the princess stared down at her in shock.
"Did…you just give me an order?" Azula demanded with her eyes narrowing down at the girl only to realize that she was having another breathing attack.
"Y-yes! I-I will pick all the cherry pits that you want! I-I'll spend the evening serving your drinks! I-I'll scrub the palace floors, but get that spider away from me!" Elle called out to even Mai's astonishment as she glared up at the furry yellow spider.
"Quit your screaming, Elle! I will incinerate the creature." Azula grumbled in a moody voice when the girl cried out once more.
"D-don't kill it! Just…put it outside!" Elle exclaimed while the princess gazed down in disbelief.
"Now that is just…" Azula trailed off when Mai finally grasped ahold of the arachnid.
"Azula. You need to learn that sometimes in dating. You need to do what the other person wants…or else." Mai remarked as she carried the squirming spider in her clenched fist.
"Or else what?" Azula scoffed before peering down in surprise over Elle's outrage.
"O-or else it is back to eating cherry pits for you! D-don't you ever hang a spider near my head again! That! Is where I draw the line!" Elle declared comically while swiftly extracting her inhaler from her bag.
"If I wasn't fond of you, I would punish you for this defiance!" Azula snapped while the small girl opened her breather as she still rasped for air.
"Azula! This is Elle's line. You just have to accept it and deal with the fact that she's going to yell at you if you don't keep her spider free! All things considered Azula. She is not asking for much." Ty Lee advised while standing behind her friend with her arms folded over her bust.
"That is a rather trivial line in the sand if you ask me. But very well…I shall overlook this. If only because it is just further validation of why a mousy little girl like you needs my rule." Azula announced with her hands on her hips as she still loomed over Elle while the girl wheezed for air.
"Just…regain relax, little sister. It's over now." Ty Lee assured before exiting the booth while the princess glanced back at the smaller girl.
"I will be outside if you need me…hm?" Azula pondered as she peered down at her pet rather puzzled when she grasped ahold of her pant leg.
The brief spurt of anger was somewhat refreshing in truth.
Though she was displeased over being yelled at by her own pet.
She was somewhat pleased at the same time.
It was proof that the girl had a spark of fire within her…even if it was buried deep down.
"P-please stay." Elle pleaded in a softer voice while Azula gave her a questioning glance before turning to nod at Ty Lee to close the door.
"Just a moment ago you were shouting at me…and now you want me to stay while you change?" Azula asked while peering down at the recovering girl with a quirked brow.
"S-sumimasen, Azula-sama, for yelling at you." Elle mumbled in a return to usual self while the princess towered over her.
"I will let it slide. But I suggest you remember that I am your mistress. Is that clear, girl?" Azula stated strictly while watching in approval as the girl bowed her head in reverence.
"Yes, Azula-sama. You are my mistress…" Elle trailed off while she bowed in her seat before Azula when a palm reached down to pat her head.
Now those words were vastly gratifying to hear.
"Good girl. So, you do enjoy submission after all." Azula purred while tracing her fingers through her admirably loving handmaid's hair.
"I…do. But I also hate spiders. Please sit with me while I change. There…might be more." Elle admitted while glancing up at her amused mistress with worried amber eyes.
"Are you requesting the princess of the Fire Nation to protect you from a tiny spider?" Azula pondered while staring down at her near naked servant with pleased amber golden eyes.
"You bet your beautiful royal butt I am! That was not small!" Elle exclaimed in a comical return to her anger while Azula gazed down at her with a smirk gracing her lips.
"You like my butt, do you?" Azula taunted while removing her hand from her pet's hair while the girl blushed as she bent over to change.
"Who wouldn't? It is so…well shaped." Elle confided while flushing in embarrassment when the princess's amused laughter filled her ears.
"Those words please me. Very well. I will guard you." Azula commented while seating herself beside the daintier girl with a possessive gleam in her eyes.
"Azula-sama?" Elle began uncertainly in a voice while the princess gazed at her from the corner of her eye.
"What is it, Elle?" Azula asked as she folded her arms over her breasts while she turned to peer down at her servant.
She has noticed that she was finding herself compelled to use the girl's name more often.
It was a curious feeling but she simply went along with it.
Her handmaid was very well behaved.
In her mind she has earned the right to be called by name.
"D-do…you really…like me? As in…potentially return my…" Elle trailed off while swallowing as she sat with her back turned to the princess.
"Of course, I do. Do you really think that I would be treating any other royal servant like this if I didn't?" Azula answered while snorting derisively as she gazed over her shoulder at the girl's smooth back.
"No. Your Highness…I just had to ask. Because I…treasure you more than life itself. I…want to be…" Elle spoke while swallowing nervously as she felt her heartbeat at an abnormal rate.
Azula was silent for a moment while peering at the girl's angelic mane of golden blonde hair that swept down the curves of her budding back.
Elle truly was a sight to behold.
Even she cannot deny that.
The girl was…just gorgeous.
"Y-your girl!" Elle blurted out with a lovable blush consuming her cheeks as she sat back against the woman's leg.
Unbeknownst to her the princess was gazing down at her with marginally widened eyes.
There was not much that she would deem 'adorable'.
But hearing her lovely little pet confess that she wanted to be her girl…
"Let's continue to get to know one another. We will see…if you are my girl. You just might be." Azula announced while turning away with her stoic eyes peering at the closed door.
"Yes, Princess." Elle agreed in a joyful voice while Azula's curling lips reflected just how fond she had become of her younger companion.
"So…you don't like spiders, do you?" Azula taunted in a playful voice while watching as Elle slipped the shirt over her shoulders.
"I do. And I expect you to keep them away from me. Don't even try to tell me no. It ought to be trivial for a woman of your power." Elle stated as she stood up with her small backside facing the amused woman.
"Please! I am more than capable of exterminating premature volcano sac spiders!" Azula scoffed while brushing her hair from her eyes as she admired the girl's tight bottom.
"T-that wasn't an adult?" Elle stuttered with her eyes widening in terror while Azula eyed her in amusement.
"Hm. No. They grow about two times that…size." Azula responded while blinking in puzzlement when Elle released a horrified high-pitched scream that resounded throughout the entire store.
She cupped her palms over her ears in annoyance while Elle walked about with her legs shivering in fear.
"G-gross! The biggest spider where I come from isn't as big as my head! And that is as an adult!" Elle yelled out while Azula gazed down at her in genuine bewilderment.
Ultimately Azula decided against teasing the girl any further.
If only to silence her piercing screams.
Elsewhere in the store Mai listened in mild amusement while staring at Ty Lee's entertained face.
"Wow. Azula just might have her work cut out for her!" Ty Lee chirped while Mai nodded as she sunk back against the wall.
Several minutes later Elle emerged from the stall with Azula standing over her while the princess gazed down in approval.
She turned with her skirt falling down to her knees while smiling up at the tall princess with appreciation in her eyes.
"I really like it, Azula-sama. How do I look?" Elle pondered while turning with a blush on her cheeks while Azula's eyes followed her closely.
"Lovely." Azula responded while smiling down at Elle just as the other two women approached from around the corner.
"Aww! You look so pretty, Elle!" Ty Lee informed while Mai nodded stoicly in mutual agreement.
"T-thank you. I was hoping so…" Elle trailed off shyly while peering up at her mistress in adoration.
"Come, Elle. There is one small addition that I want to make." Azula ordered while snapping her fingers just as she began striding through the store.
As her pet sped after her with her backpack over her shoulders smiling brightly all the while.
Even happier than earlier.
"What addition do you have in mind, Princess?" Elle requested in a faithful voice while Azula turned to her with a small bow tie in hand.
"This." Azula purred as she began to wrap the golden bow tie around the girl's neck all the while Elle peered up at her flushing furiously.
"I really like it!" Elle cried out while grasping at the woman's belly.
"It suits you. Now I believe that we are all set." Azula stated while smirking down at her servant while the girl blushed with her little hands tugging at her robes.
That was when they heard Ty Lee clear her throat which prompted them to turn to see the noblewoman grinning brightly with a truly embarrassing outfit in hand.
Mai was staring at Elle's baffled face in unconcealed pity while Ty Lee held up a monkey costume.
"Ty Lee…what is that?" Azula snorted while staring at the animal costume with deadpan amber golden eyes.
"What does it look like! It is a tiger monkey costume! She will look sooo adorable in it, Azula! Can I get it for Elle! Please, little sister! You should totally wear this!" Ty Lee cooed while gazing at the princess pleadingly with the regal woman scrunching her nose up in disapproval.
And most comically was the fact that Elle scurried behind Azula just as soon as she laid eyes on the absurd costume.
"Oh, so now you are dictating what she can wear? I was under the impression that we were here strictly for formal dinner wear. You berate me for browsing the battle armor but this…is acceptable?" Azula demanded as she waved her hand in the air with her servant peeking out from behind her sloped back.
"Oh, come on, Azula! Elle is not a warrior, and you know it! But she is a cutie!" Ty Lee insisted while the princess gazed back rolling her regal eyes all the while.
"Azula-sama? Do I have to wear that?" Elle mumbled in a comically fearful voice while her looming mistress glanced down at her over her shoulder.
"No, you do not. Just ignore, Ty Lee. Let us proceed to payment." Azula scoffed while stepping forward with Elle humorously shadowing her footsteps.
"Aww please! Little sister!" Ty Lee whined as she peered at Elle's bashful face hiding behind Azula while Mai groaned all the while.
"Now you are the one scaring her, Ty Lee. I don't blame the girl for not wanting to be caught dead in that." Mai remarked while gazing at her cheerful friend's grinning face as she pursued the two.
"She is my pet! Not yours. Go play dress up with another peasant, Ty Lee. This one belongs to me." Azula retorted in a spoiled voice with Elle padding behind her back.
"How many times do I have to tell you! She is not a pet! She is our adorable new friend! And she will look very cute in this!" Ty Lee yelled out while the princess glanced at her rolling her eyes once more.
"Can we please leave the clothing store now, Azula-sama?" Elle requested timidly while holding onto her mistress's shirt with a timid hand.
"Yes…let's do just that." Azula stated while brushing past her acrobatic friend's pouting face with her handmaid scampering behind her.
"Well, I am going to buy it for her anyway. It is just so cute!" Ty Lee exclaimed before rushing to the front of the store to pay for the costume.
Moments later they were seen exiting the store while Elle walked happily between Azula and Mai all the while peering up at both women.
"Oneesan, Mai…you are the only one that didn't have me try out an outfit." Elle spoke while gazing up at the woman with a smile on her lips.
"That is because unlike Azula and Ty Lee, I am not going to force my tastes upon you." Mai explained in her usual tone while peering down at Elle with a flicker of fondness in her gaze.
Her words earned her an even brighter smile from the girl and a loud scoff from the princess.
"Oh, please. The girl craves my commanding leadership and we all know it…where was it you wanted to go now?" Azula commented while striding with her stern gaze shifting down to her petite handmaid's joyful face.
There was no doubt about it…the girl did indeed enjoy her controlling personality.
"The bookstore…p-please…" Elle murmured while peering up at her mistress's curious face with a radiant smile.
As Ty Lee emerged from the clothing store with a shopping bag slung over her arm while she smiled as she chased after her friends.
"Very well. The bookstore it is then." Azula agreed in her usual strict voice with Elle following alongside her as she smiled bashfully up at her.
"Arigatou gozaimasu, Azula-sama…" Elle trailed off while staring up at Azula's stony face with redness lining her timid cheeks.
The princess quirked an elegant brow while returning the girl's gaze as she maneuvered through the evening royal market.
"F-for bringing me out for such a wonderful evening…this girl is grateful." Elle confessed while gazing up at the princess with a joyful tear sliding down her cheek.
"You are welcome…Elle. Now no more crying. You know how much it annoys me." Azula answered while peering down at the girl's sniffling face while she nodded.
"Y-yes. My princess charming." Elle responded as she smiled warmly up at Azula's strict face.
"Hm. Indeed I am." Azula purred with her lips curving into a refined smirk while she guided her little admirer through the busy streets.
All along the two noblewomen stared after them while exchanging an amused glance with one another.
"I think they'll make a beautiful couple." Ty Lee spoke with a grin while Mai closed her eyes sighing.
"Let us hope…for Elle's sake." Mai commented while she followed after her leader and their new companion.
Nearly twenty minutes later…
Azula gazed on curiously while observing Elle peer through the ample selection of books with awe in her eyes.
As Mai watched from over the princess's shoulder with her tawny eyes also finding the girl's behavior to be somewhat amusing.
"Are you aware that this is the place she wanted to go to the most? Not the weapon store…or the arena, but the bookstore?" Mai asked quietly while the regal woman turned her head with her brow raised inquisitively.
"I've gathered as much by now, Mai." Azula replied while she peered after the girl with her hand curled up beneath her chin.
"Azula…you should help her." Ty Lee whispered while nudging the callous woman's side.
"Hm?" Azula pondered while tilting her head in curiosity.
"She doesn't seem familiar with Fire Nation literature. Help her pick something out." Ty Lee advised with a smile while Azula gazed after Elle with a thoughtful demeanor about her.
"What should I choose?" Elle mumbled while holding a comic in her hand with her eyes drifting over the foreign lettering.
Always eager to demonstrate her superior leadership the princess strode forward without delay.
Intending to show her admirer that she was the most knowledgeable woman there was.
Even on the most mundane of subjects.
"So, you like comics, do you?" Azula greeted with a charming purr that laced her voice while stepping over the girl with her hands clasped regally behind her back.
"I-I do…but I can't read the covers. Would Her Highness be so kind as to help me find something?" Elle confessed in a sheepish voice as she set the title back down while gazing up at the princess's charismatic smiling face.
"Of course. I'll lend you my brilliance once more. Come." Azula remarked while snapping her fingers in a domineering manner with her lips forming a confident smirk.
"Yes, Azula-sama. Please guide me." Elle stated shyly while trailing after Azula before the regal woman came to a stop before a particular rack.
"This one." Azula commented without delay while picking up a comic that she held before her admirer's curious face.
"What is it about?" Elle queried with pink adorning her cheeks while the woman glanced down at it thoughtfully.
"It is about the dragons of old and how they brought firebending to my ancestors." Azula explained with a proud voice while enjoying how Elle's mouth hung open in excitement.
"It sounds riveting! I trust in my princess's judgement…I would like that one." Elle announced while grinning up at Azula while she retrieved the other issues from the shelf.
Azula made a mental note of Elle's hobby while holding all four issues as she made her way to the checkout counter.
Until she was Fire Lord.
The girl would have to remain in the servant's quarters.
But she decided that she would reward her pet with regular reading material to occupy herself in her free time.
"Then you shall have it…continue to be a good girl and I will personally supply your reading material." Azula informed while glancing down at the petite blonde's overjoyed face.
"Arigatou gozaimasu!" Elle spoke tenderly while bowing at the hip before her princess's discerning eye.
"You truly are a fine servant. I approve of you." Azula announced with a refined smile gracing her crimson lips as she surveyed her polite handmaid's bowing face.
"T-those words mean more to me than I can ever say. I am honored to be in your royal service…Mistress Azula." Elle chimed with her arm held before her chest just as she glanced up into entrancing amber golden eyes.
"Good to know. You may rise now." Azula commented while waving her hand with a gratified twitch of her lips.
"Yes! As my princess commands!" Elle cheered with an expression of boundless happiness that shimmered in her amber eyes.
"Hm. Come along now, Elle." Azula ordered before snapping her fingers loudly once more smirking all the while when Elle padded after her heels.
"I…will always follow you, Azula-sama…wherever you take me." Elle spoke with passion lacing her voice while staring up at Azula as she gazed down at her with a rare appreciation in her stare.
The two gazed into each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity before the princess answered her handmaid with a stern nod of her head.
No further words were spoken as the two made their way to the front of the bookstore.
But no more had to be said between the princess and her devoted servant.
For their bond was already growing deeper than words could convey.