Destiny is a Funny Thing (Zutara)

Validation

Zuko

I looked up at the ceiling and groaned as my bed creaked along with me. I was woken up by My Uncle's loud, obnoxious laugh. Uncle Iroh's laugh could be heard throughout the fire nation's boat. I threw a pillow at my door. "Uncle! Must you be so loud all the time?" Uncle Iroh's voice echoed in my ears. "Zuko, must you betray your family?" I turned to the source of the voice but I couldn't find Uncle. "What? I'm not betraying anyone!" I could feel Uncle's knowing smile behind me. I turned and saw Uncle staring at me with a look of contempt I had never seen on him. "You will always be a disgrace." 

I shot up from my bed. my sheets were damp from sweat and It took a moment to realize I wasn't on my ship anymore. I was home. My robe was silk and I was Prince Zuko, welcomed back in my father's good graces after I brought him the avatar. One of my servants came in with breakfast. "Good morning, your highness." I buried my head into the several pillows I had on my bed. 

"Please leave. I will get ready myself." 

"B-but, your highness. It is my job, and I don't want to get fired if your sister saw I wasn't doing anything."

"That's not really my problem. I want to be alone." 

The girl bowed and left. I got dressed drowsily and looked at myself in the mirror. My hair seemed to always be in my face and it really didn't feel like I would be 20 soon. My father might've encouraged me to find a wife if he wasn't so busy avoiding me. I remind him too much of the traitor. I remind him too much of the night of Sozin's Comet, and I remind him too much of my mother. I still attend his meeting and events, father just never looks me in the eyes, or confides in me the way he does with Azula. "Whatever" I muttered. I am an adult but I feel like a child in the eyes of my father. Why wouldn't I, I still live with him and get me every need met by random servants I don't even know. It was a life far from the life I knew when I went around the world with Uncle. But I had nothing then. 

As I was preparing to leave for a meeting I heard a hard knock at the door. Does no one ever respect my decisions? I bet this wouldn't be happening to Azula. I moaned and swung the door open angrily. 

"I told you! I want to be left ALO-" The bluest eyes I had ever seen stared at me. 

"I-I'm sorry I wasn't aware you wanted to be alone. I'm new. I will be more careful Prince Zuko." Even though I had just yelled at her she didn't look scared, just cautious. She was beautiful, no doubt, her long brown hair to her waist and her eyes showed intelligence that she wasn't letting on. 

"Um, it's okay. You didn't know." I stated. Now avoiding the eyes that were looking directly at me. I felt squeamish in a way, she didn't look at me with adoration, but neutral curiosity. I didn't know what her verdict of me was, but she nodded and placed a smile on her face. "I appreciate your kindness." I huffed as I walked past her. I needed to hurry or I'd be late and Father's mercy is nonexistent. 

I walked into the boardroom to see Azula was already there, talking intently with Father. When she saw me she hushed herself and smiled.

"Hello, brother. You look awful, did you not sleep again?" Azula cooed. I frowned. 

"I slept fine." 

"Unlikely"

I looked away from her. We weren't kids anymore. Her antics may be extremely agitating but weren't a reason for me to yell. I sat down next to Father and looked at him intently. "Good morning, Lord Ozai." 

"Prince Zuko" 

Azula's smile widened. Father looked at everyone at the table and grimaced. "Four days mark the horrific misstep that occurred during Sozin's comet. We failed to squash out the Earth Kingdom and maintain control of Ba Sing Se. So, we are doing this in a slower fashion. Any updates."

"Lord Ozai we have taken complete control of the south of the Earth Kingdom. We are making our way up. Any rebellions are minimal outside of Ba Sing Se and are easy to squash."

"We have tripled our fleet numbers in the sea. We are working towards gaining control of waters surrounding every nation and soon hope to place many close to the northern tribe." 

Lord Ozai nods in approval, but his face was filled with disdain. "Any word about where our traitor is hiding." I felt tense. I held my breath as I awaited any news from Uncle Iroh.

"No news your highness." one of the war generals said.

I quietly sighed in relief as my father slammed the table with his fist. 

"He has stayed alive for too long. I want him found and killed NOW." 

"We will find him, we are looking everywhere for him, Fire Lord Ozai." Lord Ozai looked unconvinced. But leaned back and moved topics. I looked down for the rest of the meeting, trying to regulate my breath as my uncle taught me. I have practiced every night, but in moments like these, my breath feels ragged. 

After the meeting, the war generals filed out as Azula and I followed. Azula kept pace beside me and whispered. "You looked relieved to hear the traitor was alive." 

I stopped in my tracks. Through my teeth, I responded. "I don't care what happens to him. He can die for all I care."

 Azula laughed "Well I do care a lot about the situation. I want him dead." We made eye contact. Azula was challenging me to say anything out of turn.

 I exhaled and made my eyes leveled with hers. "Like I said. I don't care." 

Azula seemed frustrated but didn't push it further and proceeded to go to her room. I sighed. These days are filled with monotony and tension. I thought I was so unhappy looking for the Avatar. But I saw the world with my uncle. Now I am in this palace and Uncle left me. So he can stay lost. 

Four days until the anniversary of Sozin's Comet, and four days until my birthday.