𝓐𝓬𝓬𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓒𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷 {𝓐𝓣𝓛𝓐}

Part 13

During your recovery time, you were ordered to mainly focus on tasks within the counsel(where, much to the opposition of the elder members, you held a position.) However, that didn't stop you from guiding the young royals with their bending.

Now that Prince Zuko had finally started bending, you now held his and Azula's training together. With the limited free time that you have, you try to teach them as much as possible.

One of the things you learned from that camp was that children develop faster when they have competition. The main reason as to why you have been conducting their training together was to inspire them individually. Yes, Azula is already leaps ahead of her brother, but you hoped that his eagerness might push her more. And vise versa, you hoped his sister's achievements might spark a bit more drive into him so he fully devotes himself to his bending and training.

Seeing how well you were with your bending, and that the only training you had was at that camp surrounded by peers, you assumed that this was for the best.

You even managed to coach Azula with her anger. Now, whenever she feels that she's pent up or frustrated, she goes to the grounds and burns the dummies.

Dipping the quill into the ink well, you continued on with your report. Within a week of time, the chieftain of the Northern Water Tribe and his child will be coming into the palace. Due to one of your most recent sieges against the Earth Kingdom, you had gained the Fire Nation a grand trading port, one which the Northern Water Tribe frequent in trading their goods. And seeing how the chieftain is personally coming in for negotiations, the issue that their economy faces must be an urgent one.

For today's meeting, you, alongside the Fire Lord and his son, conversed on what to do and what possible benefits there are in going along with the waterbenders. After an hour or so, the meeting concluded. Once the Lord retired for the day, you stayed behind to make a written report for the council members and preparations for the palace staff.

Cracking your neck, you continued on writing while Prince Ozai read over the notes his father left. He didn't waste time finishing reading them before he threw them on the table. "His old age seems to be taking a toll on his judgment." He mumbled behind you.

Your hand did not stop moving. No citizen of the Fire Nation is allowed to speak negatively of the royal family, especially those who work in close quarters.

Ozai lets out a hum, "My child," he calls to you, placing his much larger hand on your shoulder, "Do away with the performers. I see no such need to entertain a fallen man."

Your writing halted. Swallowing dryly, "Your Highness-" you felt the grip on your shoulder tighten.

He let out a sigh, massaging your shoulder, "Dear, have I not told you to call me father?"

"... father?"
"Go on, speak your mind, my child." His hand moved up to your nape.

"For the... entertainment, I have no say in their employment or contract, it was Lord Azulon who signed-" The stinging in your scalp cut you off as he grabbed you by the hair and shoved your head down. You felt each and every strand of hair being pulled as he tightened his grip.

"That father of mine has gone senile, as long as you do as I say and simply turn in that report of yours, everything will fall into place." A strangled noise came from your throat as Ozai pulled your head back. He leaned down close to you, "Do you understand?"

"Yes... father." You strained your neck.

He stared down at you for a second before letting you go with a smile. "Good, you may take your leave."

You left without another word. Once the doors shut behind you, you heaved out a sigh. Looking down, you noticed your hands were shaking.

Just around the corner, where the palace training grounds were, you heard Azula and her brother argue and a desperate new trainer who tried to keep the peace. You lean on the wall, taking long and deep breaths to calm yourself before making your way to the siblings.