ATLA: Azlua

Court

The week had passed in an eerie semblance of normalcy. The war blimp, the tensions, and the arguments felt like distant memories as the volcanic landscape of the Fire Nation settled into view from the windows of the manor.

Azula and Zuko sat across from each other, a steaming pot of tea between them. The atmosphere was less fraught than it had been the last time they had shared tea; the heat of their emotions had subsided into something that felt almost like an uneasy peace. They had gotten used to each other's presence—a necessity given their arrangement of meeting once a week. Though the formalities were still there, something softer had settled into their dynamic.

Zuko sipped his tea, eyeing his sister from across the table. "I noticed the guards outside have changed."

Azula gave a casual shrug, her gaze flickering toward him. "Mai requested they be dismissed." She took a slow, deliberate sip of her tea, a hint of something almost like a smile on her lips. "Though I hadn't expected her to replace them with her own team of Yuyan archers."

Zuko raised an eyebrow, the corners of his lips twitching up. "That almost sounds like pride in your voice."

Azula's lips curled upward. "It is. She's finally playing the game."

Zuko let out a sigh, setting his cup down on the table. "And yet, I'm still imprisoned here."

Azula rolled her eyes, her smile fading. "Please. You have everything you could ever want."

Zuko scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "I want my friends, Azula."

Azula took another sip of her tea, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I'll think about it."

Zuko frowned, his frustration clear. "You've said that every time I've asked."

Azula smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement. "If you weren't friends with the Avatar, it would be easier. But seeing how he could tear this island apart if he wanted to, it's difficult to find a way to let him visit without taking you away."

Zuko grinned, his expression challenging. "You'd be hard-pressed to stop him."

Azula shifted in her seat, waving a dismissive hand. "Enough of that. Tell me—have you thought about revenge yet?"

Zuko flinched, his eyes darkening. "I try not to. Uncle wouldn't want me to."

Azula studied him for a moment, a calculating glint in her eyes. She had been slowly feeding his anger, nurturing the resentment she knew still lingered within him. It was all part of her plan—to turn his captivity from something resented into something desired. To make him stay willingly, to shape him into what she needed. But for now, she couldn't push too hard.

"Still clinging to his teachings, then? Never mind." She waved a hand, letting the topic drop. "I've noticed things between you and Mai seem different now. Happier."

Zuko blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in tone. He hesitated for a moment before answering. "Yeah, we're getting there. We still argue, but... we're working things out."

Azula's smile grew sharper. "You mean you argue about me."

Zuko's lips pressed into a thin line. "Yeah. We argue about you."

Azula sighed dramatically, standing up from her seat. "Zuzu, I've told you before, there's no point in asking Mai to let you free. I've already promised to let you go once things are settled here. The serpent must be dealt with first."

Zuko, knowing her answer would not change, decided to change the subject. "Speaking of, I hear you're engaged."

Azula paused, arching an eyebrow at him. "You've heard correctly. It was arranged, and it will be dealt with in due time."