𝓐𝓬𝓬𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓒𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷 {𝓐𝓣𝓛𝓐}

Part 21: Won't You?

You can still clearly remember how it felt when you held her for the first time. She was so small back then, you were so worried that she wouldn't make it when she wouldn't take to the wetnurse, yet, despite not being fed for over twenty four hours, her voice remained strong.

Maybe that's why her voice is hoarse and raspy now, she must have damaged her vocal cords.

She was such a kind child. Those first five years, though minus breast milk, were fond years. She was so small, even as a child, you could easily hold her in one hand.

You rarely had to leave her side, every milestone you were right beside her. Trying to fully provide the thing you wanted growing up.

Stability and a bit of praise.

While raising her, you had hoped you were doing, at least, a decent job. Rather than a typical princess, where their main purpose was to bear children, you molded a leader. Someone who knows what to do and when to do it. Someone who the entire nation could depend on.

You had hoped, even prayed, for her to be a great leader. You taught everything you knew very early on so she would excel in her studies and at the academy(which she did.) People rarely remember their childhood so what was the problem in training her during her least memorable moments? You taught her then so she would have a more enjoyable time now, where she doesn't have to run back to the archives to name and define battle strategies or influential leaders of the past.

Your dream that manifested within the first few days of being with her was that she would rule above all and surpas any challenges. You wanted to see her make this world a better place.

But as you watch her now, not even sparing a glance at the men and women that had aided her during her siege, worry began to spread.

Azula had just came back from her first siege. The fleet that was under her command lagged behind her as she took proud steps down the dock. Her eyes scanned over the musicians, the performers, the soldiers, the officers, and even her own family. All in search of you.

When she finally caught your gaze, her stoic face morphed into a smile.

Your hands clenched behind your back. You won't give up on her, she's still young and impressionable. It's not too late to guide her towards the right path... right?

She sent a satisfied nod your way before facing the crowd. Her fist raised high as the people cheered.

You took a deep breath before schooling your features.

She's still young, there's still time.

After the welcoming ceremony had commenced, you found yourself in the garden. The cool breeze hitting your face after a night of a crowded banquet.

You lean on the stone railing as you relaxed, your shoulders sagged. These peaceful moments were hard for you to come by. Where it's just you and the sky. Be it light or dark, you loved the sky. Clouds were just an added bonus.

If only you could fly, to know what it feel like to dive and feel the clouds.

You cherish every moment of your lone tranquility.

Because-

"I've been looking for you."

they never last long.

And you knew that voice.

Straightening your back once more, you turned to greet her highness.

Princess Ursa.

She smiled at you, but it wasn't the one you were used to. Previously, when interacting with you, she always lacked the fear most were instilled with, nor the respect the rest gained.

On this lovely night, you saw a sight you haven't seen in quite some time.

With trembling fingers, she reached for you. Her hands clutching onto your sleeves as she looked up at you with pleading eyes. Similar to a fish on land, her mouth opened and closed.

It was finally her at the other end. The sight should have brought you joy but it didn't. If anything, it brought you confusion, and dare I say, a bit of worry.

Has she gone pregnant again? Was she expected to be pregnant again? Or was it Zuko's turn to go on a siege? Your mind becomes a whirlwind of thoughts as she keeps trembling.

Finally, you heard something. "... you... please... with me-" you couldn't quite catch what she was trying to say. She was mumbling over her words and slurring them out.

You scrunch your eyebrows, you are not a patient person and you will not be playing along with her pathetic display.

You shrugged her hands off and took a step back. "Your highness," if she wanted comfort, she came to the wrong person, "as the mother of our nation, you mustn't mumble."

There was a hint of betrayal that flashed in her eyes as you said those words. Now that brought you satisfaction. Her gaping mouth finally closed as she took a breath, why she was out of breath, you were not sure. With the step you took, she steadied herself on her own.

You didn't know she was capable of such a thing.

With her posture now matching yours, she finally became coherent. "Six," she called out to you, "you have been my closest aid and partner since the day we met. Throughout your early life within this palace walls, it was I that stood beside you, guided you, comforted you, and shown you affection... They say the home is where love lies. Please speak if I'm mistaken but you are mine as much as I yours." She took a step towards you, "So won't you stay by my side till the end?" one step closer, "Won't you let me bask in your warmth?" closer, "Let me touch and feel you?" her hands grip yours as she looks into your eyes, "Etch your name on my heart and hold me even in my dreams?"

The moon's glow illuminates her smile. There is no doubt in her eyes as she spoke.

"Take me as yours and let's leave all our hardship within these blasted walls."

"Once I kill the Fire Lord, will you run away with me?"

"Let's leave this place... together."