Ash [Prince Zuko - Book Two]

❃Chapter Two❃

The silence in the house built slowly, pressing against Asake's ears. She stared at the slim form of Princess Azula, watching as the two pieces she left out of the top knot settled beside her fiery eyes. Something was off about this meeting, and Asake was afraid. How did the princess of the Fire Nation find them so easily?

"What are you doing here?" Zuko said, stepping forward toward his sister. There was a strange look on his face as he took in the sight of Azula. He hadn't seen her in three years, and that was a long time for siblings. Asake would know.

Asake shrunk back next to Iroh. Her heart thudded against her chest. She wasn't sure why Azula was here, but she knew it couldn't have been for a good reason. There was always trouble following Azula; she knew that from experience. The last time Asake saw Azula was right before she and Zuko both got burned from Fire Lord Ozai. Azula seemed excited to witness the humiliation of her brother, and that made Asake dislike her from the beginning.

Azula grabbed one of the seashells Iroh had gathered a few minutes ago, glancing at it thoughtfully. However, there was something in her eyes that made Asake shiver. "In my country, we exchange a pleasant 'hello' before asking questions," she said, her eyes flickering up to Zuko. Azula had a smirk on her face, shrugging. She stalked forward, dropping the seashell to the ground. When it fell, it shattered, scattering sharp bits everywhere. "Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu? It's probably because you've been hanging around Asake and Uncle."

Anger filled her heart at what she said. Asake wasn't uncivilized. But the thing that made her mad was that Azula called Iroh uncivilized. Of all people, Iroh deserved more respect than that. He was a seasoned man who had been through the wringer in his life, yet he turned out better than anyone else she had ever met before.

She frowned, walking forward slightly. Azula glanced at her with those terrifying eyes. She clenched her teeth together and said, "Who says I'm uncivilized, Azula? You're the one who broke in here like a criminal."

Azula's eyes darkened but the smirk didn't fall from her face. Asake was so scared, but she didn't dare show that to Azula. She didn't want to please her by being afraid. "I'm the Princess, dear, so I think I can do what I want. You're nothing."

Asake raised her hands, feeling the familiar fire rush to her palms. Before she was able to ignite the fire, someone placed a hand on her shoulder. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Iroh, who said, "To what do we owe this honor?"

"Hmm," Azula said, tapping a manicured fingernail against her chin, "must be a family trait. Both of you so quick to get to the point." A menacing air floated off of Azula. How could this fourteen-year-old girl be so scary? "I've come with a message from home. Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumors of plans to overthrow him – treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust." She glanced at her brother and uncle, her face softer in the afternoon light. Everything about her screamed that she was telling the truth. Asake didn't believe her for one second. "Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home."

"What about me?" Asake asked, making Azula face her. Azula's face wasn't as soft as it was before. No, there was a gleam of hate in her eyes as she looked at Asake. "Do I get to go home?"

Azula cocked her head to the side, thinking for a second. "Father doesn't care about a commoner like you. You made the choice to get banished, and now you get to suffer the consequences."

Iroh's grip tightened on her shoulder. She clenched her hands at her sides, gritting her teeth. She opened her mouth to say something, but Zuko beat her to it. "She's coming home with us."

"Whatever. You can get into trouble with Father."

Asake huffed, shaking her head. She couldn't stand being with someone who only cared about themselves. She had experienced it a lot with Zuko; it must have been a family trait that Azula and Zuko shared. However, Zuko was slowly growing out of that phase. She didn't think Azula would.