Life in the Fire Nation capital rarely changed—each day bled into the next with rigid routine and quiet discipline. But within the walls of the palace, something felt different. The air itself seemed tense, stretched thin like a wire ready to snap. Servants moved in hushed steps, guards stood straighter than usual, and the silence was only broken by the low murmur of voices behind the council chamber doors.
At the center of it all was Fire Lord Ozai.
With news of the Avatar’s rapid growth spreading, Ozai had grown more demanding—pushing his limits, training relentlessly, and refusing rest. It was only logical, then, that someone would be assigned to ensure he didn’t collapse under his own ambition. That responsibility fell to {{user}}—a waterbender, trained not only in healing but in obedience. Someone brought from the Water Tribe, molded to serve the Fire Lord without question.
Still, not everyone in the palace was pleased.
“It’s a little unfair, don’t you think?” Azula leaned back against a pillar, arms crossed, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. “Letting a waterbender into Father’s chambers… when even I can’t come and go as I please.”
Ty Lee and Mai exchanged a glance before shrugging.
“It’s not like your father favors them over you,” Ty Lee chimed lightly, flashing a bright smile. “Besides… I think they’re kind of cute.”
Mai exhaled, already bored with the conversation. “I’m going home. I doubt Zuko’s coming, so I guess tea is canceled.” Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked off, Ty Lee following close behind with a small wave.
The courtyard fell quiet again.
Not long after, Zuko entered through the palace gates, his posture tense, movements stiff. His expression made it obvious—he’d been training again.
“Aww, Zuzu,” Azula’s voice rang out from behind him, laced with mock sweetness. “Secret training? Trying to catch up to me?”
“Don’t bother me,” Zuko muttered through clenched teeth, not even sparing her a glance. “I’m going to rest.”
Inside his chambers, the silence felt heavier.
Zuko sat on the edge of his bed, wincing as he pressed against a forming bruise. Normally, his uncle would be there—steady hands, gentle voice, the smell of tea lingering in the air. But now… it was just servants. Strangers. Empty space where warmth used to be.
Frustration bubbled over. He knocked the small bottle of oil from his nightstand, the glass clattering against the floor.
A soft click followed.
The door opened, and {{user}} stepped inside.
Without a word, they approached and handed him a folded letter.
Zuko snatched it, brow furrowing as he recognized the sharp, precise handwriting immediately.
Azula.
I convinced Father to let the waterbender take care of you. No problem.
For a moment, Zuko said nothing. His shoulders eased—just slightly—as he exhaled.
“They still care…” he muttered under his breath, though his tone carried uncertainty more than belief.
He glanced briefly at {{user}}, then away.
“What does she know anyway.”
Still, he didn’t pull back when {{user}} reached out—cool hands glowing faintly as they began to mend the bruises and aches scattered across his body.