The Hardest Choice (malereader x avatar)

Book 2: Chapter 4

-Y/N POV-

I slowly woke up, feeling a sharp pain all over my body. It was like I'd been stabbed, burned, and squished all at once. I let out a small groan but kept my eyes closed. The bed I was on was really comfortable, like a fluffy cloud. I wondered if my captors were nice enough to give me a bed.

I felt a gentle hand touch my face. It was soft and small, definitely a woman's hand. I struggled to open my eyes. Once I did, I saw someone unexpected - Princess Azula.

Azula: [Impatiently] You're finally awake. Took you long enough.

Y/N: [Smiling weakly] Not the friendliest greeting, but okay. Where am I?

Azula: You're on the ship, in the infirmary. You've been here since you were almost killed.

Y/N: [Confused but thankful] How did I end up here? The guy who attacked me seemed really determined to kill me.

Azula: You and that guy caused a big fuss. Some soldiers heard and rushed to help. He took down almost five of them before I had to step in. You can thank me later.

Y/N: [Rolling eyes playfully] Sure, sure. I'll be forever grateful. But seriously, thank you.

Azula: [Glances at Y/N's torso, then looks away] You sure are. Remember, I don't forget when someone owes me.

I started to laugh, but it turned into a harsh cough. That's when I noticed the state of my body. It was a canvas of bruises, and each movement sent waves of pain through me. Despite the discomfort, I mustered the strength to stand up, revealing my naked body. Azula quickly looked away.

Y/N: Hey, princess, could you have someone grab me a mirror real quick?

Azula: [A bit awkwardly] Uh, yeah, sure.

I brushed off her reaction. Azula called to a servant, who hurried off. A short while later, he returned with the mirror. I propped it up against the wall and took a long look at myself. Bruises marred my torso, neck, and face. I also noticed the area where I was stabbed had been carefully stitched and bandaged.

Y/N: You know, besides the constant pain, I'm actually feeling alright. [Azula gives me a look like I'm crazy] Well, considering the fact that some giant angry man tried to kill me.

Azula: I guess so. I'm surprised you're not more worried. I am.

Y/N: Of course I'm worried. Someone tried to kill me! And he managed to sneak onto the ship and wait for just the right moment to strike.

Azula: And we can't be sure if he was alone. He could be part of a bigger group. That could mean real trouble.

Y/N: Did you manage to get any information from him?

Azula: [Shakes her head] Most people don't have much to say after taking a lightning bolt to the heart.

Y/N: Sometimes I forget just how powerful you are. It makes me proud. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be as good as me.

I pulled Azula into a quick hug, only to realize I was still naked. I quickly pulled back. Azula was uncharacteristically flustered.

Azula: [Stammering] I'm going to go check on the others. Make a quick recovery.

As Azula rushed out of the room, I couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. I carefully maneuvered myself back onto the bed, wincing at the pain that shot through my body with each movement. The bruises on my skin served as a painful reminder of the violent encounter with my assailant.