Azula, Flames Of Change

Chapter 28: Developments

Azula stood in the quiet of her war room, the dim light casting long shadows across the intricate maps and plans spread across the massive table. Her piercing gaze flickered over the scrolls and reports in front of her, each one filled with updates from her vast empire. The room was still, save for the occasional crackle of a nearby fire lantern. Outside, the capital slept, unaware of the new world Azula was forging in its name.

One of her trusted advisors entered the room, bowing low. "Your Majesty, we've received reports regarding the recent jailbreaks."

Azula's fingers tightened slightly on the edge of the map, but she didn't turn to face him. Her voice remained steady, composed, her mind already calculating the implications. "Go on."

"The forces stationed at the prisons did as you ordered—they offered resistance, but the prisoners were freed. However, many of them, including benders and Fire Nation deserters, are now rallying behind Zuko and his allies."

Azula remained silent for a moment, her mind churning. Zuko. The name was a flicker of irritation, but not surprise. She had anticipated his desperation, his need to defy her, to fight back against the power she wielded so effortlessly. His prison break was hardly unexpected. In fact, she had planned for it.

Without looking up, Azula gave her orders, her voice measured and calm. "Instruct the remaining prison forces to offer minimal resistance should they face further attacks. I want them to hold the line just long enough to drain Zuko's forces, but no more. Losses in these facilities are acceptable."

The advisor nodded, quickly noting her commands. "And the prisoners who are recaptured?"

"Leave them," Azula replied. "They serve a greater purpose in the hands of Zuko. If they believe they have gained an advantage, they will grow overconfident. I want them to think they're winning. Let them believe they can rebuild something."

Her lips twisted into a faint smile as she imagined her brother scrambling to gather fractured forces. Let him believe he can still stop me. Let him cling to that hope.

The advisor hesitated for a moment before presenting another scroll. "Your Majesty, we've also received an update from the Earth Kingdom settlements and cities loyal to your rule. They are requesting development assistance. Many of them are offering natural minerals, precious metals, and other resources in abundance in exchange for more of your technological advancements."

Azula unfolded the scroll and read the detailed reports carefully. The settlements had already begun to thrive under her guidance, transforming into something more than just Earth Kingdom cities. These were future strongholds, filled with factories producing advanced weaponry and new technologies she had introduced to the world. They were loyal to her, and in return, she would grant them the prosperity they sought—so long as they remained obedient.

Her fingers traced the lines of the report, noting the specific requests: infrastructure, roads, energy, machinery, and more advanced firearms. In exchange, they were offering raw materials, metals needed to fuel her war machine, and manpower to expand her factories.

"Good," she said, her voice almost a purr. "Send surveyors and engineers to assess the needs of each city. Provide them with the resources they require—but do not give them everything at once. Keep them wanting more. The moment they believe they have everything, they will grow complacent. We will give them just enough to ensure their loyalty."

Her advisor nodded once more, his head bowed in deference. "Yes, Fire Lord."

Azula's eyes narrowed as she turned her attention back to the map of the world before her. She saw the small cities and settlements that were rapidly growing under her influence. Soon, they would be something much larger, something greater. These new kingdoms would owe their existence to her, their prosperity intertwined with her rule.