Percy made his way to the fire Lord's throne room. He had been summoned by one of the guards from his chambers in the palace.
He took a deep breath before stepping into the room.
Seated in the room were the warlords and Azula. They all looked like they could use some few hours of sleep.
Walking forward, he dropped into a bow a few feet away from the wall of fire.
"Your highness" he spoke up.
He could the feel the man's gaze on him.
"I was informed of the pivotal role you played on the day of the invasion, Perseus. I must say I appreciate what you did".
"I was only doing my duty my lord". Perseus replied curtly.
"It seems that Zuko's heart was not where we thought it was." The fire lord continued. "He has once again gone into exile, but this time of his own volition. He has lost his place in this nation and subsequently, all privileges that come with his position. He is to be treated as a traitor when sighted".
"It is his loss my lord", Perseus said, "I shall spread the word of your decree".
"In light of your actions, I am promoting you to the position of general. From now henceforth, you are expected to attend all council meetings and attend to matters if state as you see fit. In one word, I'm making you my right hand man".
"As my lord Commands". Perseus replied before moving to the empty seat to the immediate right of the fire lord, opposite to Azula.
"With that out of the way, let us continue this meeting". The fire said.
*****
A few hours later, Percy and Azula were in the safety of the princess' room where Azula drew patterns with her finger nails on a shirtless Percy's shirt.
"You know, I don't think I support the actions of the fire lord anymore". Azula said.
Percy smiled before he replied "And why is that?"
"I don't know, I just don't, feel good spreading death everywhere I go. I mean look at you, even the animals are drawn to you, but me, I'd rather not say".
Using his hands around her waist, Percy turned the princess to face him. His face betrayed no emotion whatsoever. "Are you sure of what you're saying Azula?"
The princess nodded.
"What you're saying can be seen as treason if the fire lord ever caught wind of it".
"Do you plan to tell him?" Azula questioned with raised eyebrows.
"Of course not. It's just, I've been trying to get you see that for sometime now and this is just, shocking". Percy replied. "If I may ask Azula, what brought this change of heart?"
Azula sighed, going back to drawing patterns in his chest before answering. "It's that book of yours. You have all that power and yet, you're still down to earth. You don't let it control you. And you always find a way to do the right thing".
Percy was silent for a while, content with just rubbing his hands all over his girlfriend's almost bare back. It felt like hours but was only a few minutes before he spoke again. "What happened to making the fire lord proud?"
Azula scoffed, "I used to think he loved me. But I've realised he only appreciates my abilities. If I were to suddenly lose what makes me of use to him, he'll just toss me aside, the same way he did countless others".
"You know, you need a break. From all the work and stress in the palace. You need it".
"And where would I go? My father won't allow me leave the fire nation, with Zuko's exile and his plans nearly peaking at last". Azula said dejectedly.
