From Assassin To Queen

Nightmare

Azula

Inside dream

"Princess". Sokka called after knocking on the door. "Your father wishes to speak with you". "Do you know what it's about"? "I'm sorry princess but no. All I was told was that we needed to head to the throne room immediately".

I sat up looking at the door confused. "We"? "Yes princess, it's my job to keep you safe from any harm". I sat up and slowly made my way to the door opening it a crack. "Do you promise"? "I swear on my life. Do you need help getting ready? I can do your hair for you if you wish"?

"Yes please". I stepped aside heading to my vanity and sat as he came in. Softly he closed the door behind him and made his way over to me. My eyes were dull as he took the brush in one hand and my hair in the other. I said nothing as he gently passed it through my hair over and over making sure not to hurt me.

What I didn't expect was for him to take sections from the front and move them towards the back so he could do a braid. "Where did you learn that from"? "Well I did have a mother for the first ten years of my life and there's also my little sister".

"I see". He smiled. "I hate to rush you but-". "No, I understand, give me a few minutes to get dressed". "Yes, ma'am".

I came out wearing an all-red outfit. He smiled down at me before walking off to the throne room. I knew I would be safe with him around. I know we barely knew each other but it felt like he would be able to protect me from anything. He reminded me of Zuko in a way.

"Introducing Her Royal Highness Princess Azula of Phionex". One of the guards said before opening the doors to the throne room. I headed inside with Sokka and immediately kneeled before my father while Sokka stood behind me.

His eyes were ice cold as he gazed down on me. I was so glad I was ordered to kneel instead of looking him in the eye. Catching a small glimpse of his look was enough to send cold shivers down my spine. "You wanted to see me, my king"?

"Why haven't you left your room? There are still responsibilities you have to uphold". "I'm scared father. We haven't found my assiliant yet and I'm worried that if I step outside that it'll be the last time that I do".

"Did I raise you to be weak Azula? You have a bodyguard with you at all times, there's no need for you to be worried about anything. I'm king, matters like this are for me and your brother to handle. You will never have the throne, you will forever be a servant to us. Now pick your head up and watch".

I did as told but looked at him confused. The doors opened up to reveal Zuko being brought in by two guards. Sokka was no longer in the room making me even more confused.

"If I've told the two of you once I've told you a thousand times. Zuko if you misbehave Azula will pay the price, Azula if you misbehave Zuko will pay. It seems you need to be reminded".

One of the guards came behind me holding my arms forcing me to watch as Zuko was held back and forced to have his legs and arms broken. I cried out for him but they wouldn't stop. Over and over they hit and hit until he was lying lifeless on the floor with bruises all over.

"Zuko! Zuko"! "Take a good look Azula, this is all your fault".

End of Dream

"Princess, Princess, wake up please". "It's ok Azula, what your seeing isn't real". I heard two voices call out to me. They sounded familiar but I couldn't see their faces. All I could see was Zuko in front of me.

"Zuko". I called out but he didn't move. I forced my way over to him but the next thing I knew something was pulling me back. My eyes opened and standing next to me were both Sokka and Ty Lee.

"There you are Princess". Sokka said relieved. "Why didn't you help him"? I asked as tears filled my eyes. His eyes filled with confusion. "I've been outside your door the entire time ma'am".

"Azula, it was a bad dream. Your safe". Ty Lee said. "So Zuko isn't hurt"? "No Princess, he's with Lady Mei right now". I placed my arm over my eyes crying silently.

"Can you leave us for a while Sokka"? Ty Lee asked. "Of course ma'am". The door closed and the next thing I knew Ty Lee was lying down beside me. She took me into her arms and held me as her fingers brushed through my hair.

"It's ok you're safe, Zuko's safe. It was just a very bad dream". "I want my mom. I'm too scared to do anything, I can't even force myself to leave my room". "When was the last time you talked to your mystery man? You always feel better after talking to him".

"It's been a few days but he's working right now, I don't want to bother him". "I'm sure you won't be. You don't have to do anything now, it's simply an idea". "Please don't go". I whispered. "I won't".

Word Count: 916