Post by nandireya on Dec 22, 2007 5:52:14 GMT -5
Ta da!
_____________
Chapter Nineteen
Shyu looked nervously left and right at the pair of Royal Guards that were his escort. After months of being locked away in the darkness of the prison tower he had thought, hoped, that he and his fellow Temple Sages had been forgotten. But finally they had come for him, finally he was to face the Fire Lord.
He had been given fresh clothing and adequate time to prepare himself. They had taken him to a bathhouse, allowing him the opportunity to make himself presentable, it would be inappropriate to present a ragged, dishevelled and pungent old man to the Imperial Majesty after all.
He didn't know where the remainder of the Temple Sages were. Perhaps they had already been judged and sentenced...he was the youngest of their number after all. Or perhaps they had been pardoned, they had been loyal to the Fire Lord, he had been the only one loyal to Roku, he had been the only one to assist the Avatar.
As he was led into the antechamber before the throne room he was startled to find he was not alone. Three others waited, each with their own pair of guards. Two he recognised immediately, by sight, by reputation, though he’d never actually met either.
The former Prince Iroh, the infamous Dragon of the West, the first born son of Fire Lord Azulon, Shyu wondered absently how different things may have been if he had taken the throne instead of his younger brother, was chatting amicably to the stony-faced Jeong Jeong. Both had been highly placed in the Fire Nation military. Both had been highly respected. Both were highly renowned traitors to the Nation and the Throne.
Their presence here did nothing to still the turmoil in Shyu's stomach.
The third he had never seen before, but given the company he too must be a traitor to the Throne. He was noticeably younger, his dark hair only lightly peppered with grey, though for some reason he leaned heavily on a walking staff. It wasn't until he turned at something Iroh said that Shyu saw the cloth that covered his eyes. The man was blind.
The recently returned curtains were parted by the pair of guards that stood on either side of the throne room’s entrance and a tall, regal man stepped out. Council member Shen glanced at the quartet and their guardians with a gentle smile.
"Gentlemen..." He said with a slight bow. "The Fire Lord is most pleased to see that you have accepted his invitation. Now...if you would follow me..." He smiled with a nodding bow of his head as he re-entered the throne room.
Iroh and Jeong Jeong followed, and Shyu wondered at their apparent lack of concern. He passed through the curtains after them, the other man trailing behind him, silent except for the click-click-click of his staff on the highly polished floor.
The former Temple Sage's eyes widened as he took in his surroundings. He'd never seen the throne room before, there were precious few who had, but it was nothing at all as he'd expected. Well, not entirely...
The Fire Lord, perched on his throne, half hidden behind the veil of the Eternal Flames looked exactly as he'd expected. The council members lined up on either side of him and his companions, gazing at them with placid faces, were also as he'd expected. It was the non-council members that surprised him.
There was a trio of bearded men in the soft blues and white furs of the Water Tribe. A pair of men of totally contrasting demeanour in matching shades of green. And closest to the throne, a quartet in saffron, one of whom he recognised immediately. The young Avatar completely devoid of any injuries or bindings as he would have thought to have found on him, beamed at delight at the sight of a familiar face.
Shyu was beginning to think he was somewhat out of touch with current events.
His attention was caught by the parting of the Eternal Flames. The Fire Lord had risen from his throne and descended to meet them, a strange animal at his side. He was shorter than Shyu thought he'd be.
"I am glad that you could all accept my invitation." He said as he approached. Shyu was sure he'd heard his voice before even though he had never met the Fire Lord. "Though I am sure you are wondering as to why I summoned you."
Shyu almost gasped at the youthful face that smiled at them. His smile was genuine, his eyes, gentle and kind, despite the harshness of the wicked scar that marred his face. He had been expecting Ozai...but he was facing Zuko.
"This esteemed council believes that I am ready to lead our nation." He said, glancing towards them as he spoke. "I am not so sure I agree with them." He smiled a little sheepishly as he returned his gaze to the quartet before him. "I can be brash...impulsive...and, at times, somewhat lacking in tact."
He began to pace.
"I may have managed to organise an army to stand against my father, but I did not do it alone." He paused in front of Jeong Jeong, than glanced to the international guests. "I had advisors. A representative from each of the four nations. It was their guidance that allowed me to accomplish all that I did. I believe the same arrangement can work for me now..."
He glanced from one face to the next.
"...with a representative of the different aspects of our nation." He walked along the line. "The nobility..." he smiled at his uncle. "...the military..." he nodded to Jeong Jeong. "...the spiritual..." he acknowledged Shyu. "...and the people..." he placed a gentle hand on the fourth man's shoulder.
He looked back along the line.
"It is a great honour that I offer you." He said. "But it is one burdened with great responsibility...so I will understand if any of you wish to decline..."
Three heads bowed almost immediately to indicate their acceptance, but the fourth man frowned.
"You hesitate, Hocho?" The young Fire Lord questioned.
"Forgive me, my Lord." Hocho said softly. "But these three are great men. Highly regarded amongst our people. Well versed in their particular fields. They can easily offer you the guidance you seek. But me..." He shook his head. "I am a common soldier...born with nothing..."
"Which is precisely why I chose you." The Fire Lord assured him. "You can provide me...if you will excuse the expression...a secular vision. For too long this nation has been governed by those born into privilege. We have lost touch with its people. It is you who will speak on their behalf. And as for guidance...you have already given me more than you know."
A smile spread slowly across the blind man's face.
"Then I am honoured to accept." He said bowing with the others.
The young Fire Lord turned to address both the council and his guests. "The Fire Nation will no longer be ruled by a single individual with absolute power. Though the Fire Lord will retain the final vote in all matters, it is only through a majority consensus with the four Prime Ministers that the Fire Lord's word will become law."
He turned, his robes flaring elegantly behind him as he ascended to his throne. While he had spoken, four beautifully carved, short-legged stools had been placed below it, two to either side. Iroh was directed to Zuko's immediate right, Jeong Jeong to his left. Shyu took the seat beside Iroh, Hocho, a little gingerly, took the one that remained.
Zuko glanced at those assembled before him, keeping the Eternal Flames low. "Now...to the first item of business..." His golden eyes fell on the two men in green for a moment. "...the Earth Kingdom..." He turned to his councillors. "Shen."
The regal man rose graceful, acknowledging his Lord with a reverent nod before turning his attention to the two Earth Kingdom monarchs. "Returning your cities to you is an easy enough task, Your Majesties." He said respectfully. "The orders for our troops to withdraw have already been dispatched. It is the Fire Nation civilians dwelling within your lands that are cause for concern."
"Many were born there." Zuko said. "It is the only home they have ever known."
"It would be very difficult to relocate them." Shen continued. "Many will not wish to leave. We are hoping some sort of agreement can be reached..."
~~~~~~
"I can't believe this was painted so fast." Katara commented as she gazed up at the several-times-larger than-life portrait of Fire Lord Zuko. "He's been crowned less than a week."
"I can't believe we didn't notice these things the last time we were here." Sokka said, glancing down the line of equally over-sized depictions of the rulers who had come before the newest and, by all appearances, youngest.
"We were a little preoccupied the last time we were here." Toph reminded him.
"Good point." Sokka conceded as he returned his attention to the painting before him. Though the pose was almost identical, Zuko's portrait was far less ornate than his predecessors'. Apart from a fiery halo around his head, there was no background. His hands were held up, a flame hovering above the right, a globe representing the world held gently in the left. Itoko was curled comfortably but protectively around his feet. The golden animal's head rested on one exposed foot, a ribbon of red flowing from the bare toes to represent his ability to bend lava.
Zuko's clean-shaven face was serene, a slight smile curving his lips, in complete contrast to the stern, bearded faces of the other Fire Lords that lined the wall. The scar, its dark colour obvious against the paleness of his painted face, certainly drew the eye.
"I'm surprised he didn't have them do something to lessen the impact of the scar." Suki frowned. "He could have toned it down in some way."
"That would be a lie."
The group jumped at the sound of Zuko's voice, except for Toph, who had sensed the approach of the young Fire Lord and even younger Avatar. They too gazed up at the portrait, Zuko with a curious mix of emotions on his face.
"I'm not ashamed of it." He said. "It symbolises all that I've been through..." He glanced at the likeness of his father. "...all that I've suffered in order to bring peace to my people." He lowered his head.
"It's kinda stark though." Sokka said. "The portrait. I mean...look at the others and there's all this other stuff going on...but yours is just you and your...what is he again?"
"A kylin." Aang provided as the animal in question tossed his head.
"The portrait will be altered as my accomplishments come to light." Zuko said. "I haven't really done all that much yet."
"You found the Air Nomads." Aang reminded him.
"They found me." Zuko countered.
"You raised an army to defeat your father." Sokka suggested.
"The armies were already raised, I merely helped in unifying them into a single force." Zuko snorted. "And it was the Avatar who defeated my father." He shook his head. "I won't take credit for actions that are not my own."
Katara glanced at Sokka, who arced a brow. It was hard to believe that this humble young man was the same one who had stormed into their village and demanded they had over a little boy, who had chased them around the world, who had stood by his sister and almost allowed the last hope of the world to be killed.
"So..." Toph said, feeling the need to fill the awkward silence. "Is it all over with?" She jerked her head back to where several dignitaries where milling about.
"Hardly." Aang snorted.
"We felt if best to take a recess before the Avatar's snores became too obtrusive." Zuko said with a deadpan voice and expression.
"I was not asleep!" Aang protested. "I was just resting my eyes!"
"Maybe." Zuko allowed with a smirk. "But Bumi was definitely asleep."
"Oh yeah. Definitely." Aang agreed with a grin. "But he IS one hundred and twelve years old."
"So are you." Sokka smirked.
"Which would explain why he had to...REST his eyes." Toph teased.
"Politics are not to everyone's tastes." Iroh's welcome voice entered the conversation. "Especially to the young." He smiled at the Avatar. "Why, I remember when I was your age I would much have preferred to be playing the sungi horn or enjoying some fine tea."
"So nothing much has changed then." Zuko smiled.
Iroh threw his nephew a narrow-eyed look which quickly became one of sheepish acceptance. "I cannot deny it." He shrugged.
"The fact is, I'D rather be enjoying a cup of tea." Zuko admitted.
"I didn't think you cared for tea." Aang frowned.
"Which is exactly my point."
"My Lord?" Shen bowed deeply. "The kitchens have informed me that luncheon is prepared."
"That's the best news I've heard all day." Sokka grinned.
Shen threw the young warrior an unamused glare. "You consider lunch to be the most important occurrence for this day?"
"He does not know about the changes in government structure." Iroh soothed. "Or about the treaty we have worked out with the Earth Kingdom. He was not part of the meeting."
"Very well then." Shen sniffed. "I guess we should dine then."
"Wait." Sokka frowned as they headed out of the Royal Gallery. "What changes in government structure?"
~~~~~~
"He did WHAT!?"
Azula's voice echoed angrily across the dinning hall, causing Ty Lee to duck for cover. Mai chewed delicately on the morsel in her mouth as she gazed at her friend with her usual impassive expression.
"He probably had this planned for months." Azula growled.
"Probably." Mai agreed.
"If he was going to lessen his power why did he bother to be crowned in the first place?"
"Because he needed the absolute power of his position in order to pass the law that lessened it?" Mai suggested.
"It was a rhetorical question, Mai!" Azula snapped, her eyes narrowing as her brother entered the room.
~~~~~~
"Here comes trouble." Sokka muttered as Azula stormed towards them, her face darkened with her rage.
"And what’s troubling you, Princess Azula?" Zuko asked calmly as she strode right up to him.
"You know exactly what's TROUBLING me." She hissed, glancing left and right at the quartet of figures who flanked him. She baulked slightly as his creature snorted and pawed the floor with a glittering hoof.
"You don't approve of my Prime Ministers?" He quirked his brow, absently stroking Itoko's mane. "I am merely returning our nation to its ancient form of government. I'd have thought such a devotee of our nation's history would appreciate that."
She simply continued to glare at him.
"It was the fact that our great-grandfather held absolute power that the war began in the first place." Zuko continued. "If he had had his own cabinet of Prime Ministers all this suffering could have been avoided. He would have had to get their unanimous approval to pursue it...as will I in any major endeavours I intend to undertake."
"As would I, no doubt, if anything were to happen to you." She growled.
"Heaven forbid." Zuko said.
“Of course.” She sneered.
"Perhaps." Zuko smirked, returning to her previous question. "It would only be by their unanimous decision that you take the throne at all if anything were to happen to me."
Azula's eyes widened slightly. She had thought her brother an imbecile, unfit to take the throne, but the polices he had put into place had made it nigh on impossible for her to usurp his position. She could not overturn them without possession of the crown, and his hand-selected cabinet of Prime Ministers would never vote in her favour. She would never be allowed to wear it. And she couldn't possibly take on the five of them, four of whom she knew to be high-level firebenders, nor, given who they were and what they had done for the Fire Nation, would she be able to find allies to stand with her against them.
He had her totally blocked...and by the uncommonly smug look on his face, he knew it.
She pursed her lips as she narrowed her eyes. She leaned in close to him, lowering her voice so only he could hear her.
"Bravo, brother." She conceded. "I guess there's a little bit of father's cunning in you after all."
_____________
Chapter Nineteen
Shyu looked nervously left and right at the pair of Royal Guards that were his escort. After months of being locked away in the darkness of the prison tower he had thought, hoped, that he and his fellow Temple Sages had been forgotten. But finally they had come for him, finally he was to face the Fire Lord.
He had been given fresh clothing and adequate time to prepare himself. They had taken him to a bathhouse, allowing him the opportunity to make himself presentable, it would be inappropriate to present a ragged, dishevelled and pungent old man to the Imperial Majesty after all.
He didn't know where the remainder of the Temple Sages were. Perhaps they had already been judged and sentenced...he was the youngest of their number after all. Or perhaps they had been pardoned, they had been loyal to the Fire Lord, he had been the only one loyal to Roku, he had been the only one to assist the Avatar.
As he was led into the antechamber before the throne room he was startled to find he was not alone. Three others waited, each with their own pair of guards. Two he recognised immediately, by sight, by reputation, though he’d never actually met either.
The former Prince Iroh, the infamous Dragon of the West, the first born son of Fire Lord Azulon, Shyu wondered absently how different things may have been if he had taken the throne instead of his younger brother, was chatting amicably to the stony-faced Jeong Jeong. Both had been highly placed in the Fire Nation military. Both had been highly respected. Both were highly renowned traitors to the Nation and the Throne.
Their presence here did nothing to still the turmoil in Shyu's stomach.
The third he had never seen before, but given the company he too must be a traitor to the Throne. He was noticeably younger, his dark hair only lightly peppered with grey, though for some reason he leaned heavily on a walking staff. It wasn't until he turned at something Iroh said that Shyu saw the cloth that covered his eyes. The man was blind.
The recently returned curtains were parted by the pair of guards that stood on either side of the throne room’s entrance and a tall, regal man stepped out. Council member Shen glanced at the quartet and their guardians with a gentle smile.
"Gentlemen..." He said with a slight bow. "The Fire Lord is most pleased to see that you have accepted his invitation. Now...if you would follow me..." He smiled with a nodding bow of his head as he re-entered the throne room.
Iroh and Jeong Jeong followed, and Shyu wondered at their apparent lack of concern. He passed through the curtains after them, the other man trailing behind him, silent except for the click-click-click of his staff on the highly polished floor.
The former Temple Sage's eyes widened as he took in his surroundings. He'd never seen the throne room before, there were precious few who had, but it was nothing at all as he'd expected. Well, not entirely...
The Fire Lord, perched on his throne, half hidden behind the veil of the Eternal Flames looked exactly as he'd expected. The council members lined up on either side of him and his companions, gazing at them with placid faces, were also as he'd expected. It was the non-council members that surprised him.
There was a trio of bearded men in the soft blues and white furs of the Water Tribe. A pair of men of totally contrasting demeanour in matching shades of green. And closest to the throne, a quartet in saffron, one of whom he recognised immediately. The young Avatar completely devoid of any injuries or bindings as he would have thought to have found on him, beamed at delight at the sight of a familiar face.
Shyu was beginning to think he was somewhat out of touch with current events.
His attention was caught by the parting of the Eternal Flames. The Fire Lord had risen from his throne and descended to meet them, a strange animal at his side. He was shorter than Shyu thought he'd be.
"I am glad that you could all accept my invitation." He said as he approached. Shyu was sure he'd heard his voice before even though he had never met the Fire Lord. "Though I am sure you are wondering as to why I summoned you."
Shyu almost gasped at the youthful face that smiled at them. His smile was genuine, his eyes, gentle and kind, despite the harshness of the wicked scar that marred his face. He had been expecting Ozai...but he was facing Zuko.
"This esteemed council believes that I am ready to lead our nation." He said, glancing towards them as he spoke. "I am not so sure I agree with them." He smiled a little sheepishly as he returned his gaze to the quartet before him. "I can be brash...impulsive...and, at times, somewhat lacking in tact."
He began to pace.
"I may have managed to organise an army to stand against my father, but I did not do it alone." He paused in front of Jeong Jeong, than glanced to the international guests. "I had advisors. A representative from each of the four nations. It was their guidance that allowed me to accomplish all that I did. I believe the same arrangement can work for me now..."
He glanced from one face to the next.
"...with a representative of the different aspects of our nation." He walked along the line. "The nobility..." he smiled at his uncle. "...the military..." he nodded to Jeong Jeong. "...the spiritual..." he acknowledged Shyu. "...and the people..." he placed a gentle hand on the fourth man's shoulder.
He looked back along the line.
"It is a great honour that I offer you." He said. "But it is one burdened with great responsibility...so I will understand if any of you wish to decline..."
Three heads bowed almost immediately to indicate their acceptance, but the fourth man frowned.
"You hesitate, Hocho?" The young Fire Lord questioned.
"Forgive me, my Lord." Hocho said softly. "But these three are great men. Highly regarded amongst our people. Well versed in their particular fields. They can easily offer you the guidance you seek. But me..." He shook his head. "I am a common soldier...born with nothing..."
"Which is precisely why I chose you." The Fire Lord assured him. "You can provide me...if you will excuse the expression...a secular vision. For too long this nation has been governed by those born into privilege. We have lost touch with its people. It is you who will speak on their behalf. And as for guidance...you have already given me more than you know."
A smile spread slowly across the blind man's face.
"Then I am honoured to accept." He said bowing with the others.
The young Fire Lord turned to address both the council and his guests. "The Fire Nation will no longer be ruled by a single individual with absolute power. Though the Fire Lord will retain the final vote in all matters, it is only through a majority consensus with the four Prime Ministers that the Fire Lord's word will become law."
He turned, his robes flaring elegantly behind him as he ascended to his throne. While he had spoken, four beautifully carved, short-legged stools had been placed below it, two to either side. Iroh was directed to Zuko's immediate right, Jeong Jeong to his left. Shyu took the seat beside Iroh, Hocho, a little gingerly, took the one that remained.
Zuko glanced at those assembled before him, keeping the Eternal Flames low. "Now...to the first item of business..." His golden eyes fell on the two men in green for a moment. "...the Earth Kingdom..." He turned to his councillors. "Shen."
The regal man rose graceful, acknowledging his Lord with a reverent nod before turning his attention to the two Earth Kingdom monarchs. "Returning your cities to you is an easy enough task, Your Majesties." He said respectfully. "The orders for our troops to withdraw have already been dispatched. It is the Fire Nation civilians dwelling within your lands that are cause for concern."
"Many were born there." Zuko said. "It is the only home they have ever known."
"It would be very difficult to relocate them." Shen continued. "Many will not wish to leave. We are hoping some sort of agreement can be reached..."
~~~~~~
"I can't believe this was painted so fast." Katara commented as she gazed up at the several-times-larger than-life portrait of Fire Lord Zuko. "He's been crowned less than a week."
"I can't believe we didn't notice these things the last time we were here." Sokka said, glancing down the line of equally over-sized depictions of the rulers who had come before the newest and, by all appearances, youngest.
"We were a little preoccupied the last time we were here." Toph reminded him.
"Good point." Sokka conceded as he returned his attention to the painting before him. Though the pose was almost identical, Zuko's portrait was far less ornate than his predecessors'. Apart from a fiery halo around his head, there was no background. His hands were held up, a flame hovering above the right, a globe representing the world held gently in the left. Itoko was curled comfortably but protectively around his feet. The golden animal's head rested on one exposed foot, a ribbon of red flowing from the bare toes to represent his ability to bend lava.
Zuko's clean-shaven face was serene, a slight smile curving his lips, in complete contrast to the stern, bearded faces of the other Fire Lords that lined the wall. The scar, its dark colour obvious against the paleness of his painted face, certainly drew the eye.
"I'm surprised he didn't have them do something to lessen the impact of the scar." Suki frowned. "He could have toned it down in some way."
"That would be a lie."
The group jumped at the sound of Zuko's voice, except for Toph, who had sensed the approach of the young Fire Lord and even younger Avatar. They too gazed up at the portrait, Zuko with a curious mix of emotions on his face.
"I'm not ashamed of it." He said. "It symbolises all that I've been through..." He glanced at the likeness of his father. "...all that I've suffered in order to bring peace to my people." He lowered his head.
"It's kinda stark though." Sokka said. "The portrait. I mean...look at the others and there's all this other stuff going on...but yours is just you and your...what is he again?"
"A kylin." Aang provided as the animal in question tossed his head.
"The portrait will be altered as my accomplishments come to light." Zuko said. "I haven't really done all that much yet."
"You found the Air Nomads." Aang reminded him.
"They found me." Zuko countered.
"You raised an army to defeat your father." Sokka suggested.
"The armies were already raised, I merely helped in unifying them into a single force." Zuko snorted. "And it was the Avatar who defeated my father." He shook his head. "I won't take credit for actions that are not my own."
Katara glanced at Sokka, who arced a brow. It was hard to believe that this humble young man was the same one who had stormed into their village and demanded they had over a little boy, who had chased them around the world, who had stood by his sister and almost allowed the last hope of the world to be killed.
"So..." Toph said, feeling the need to fill the awkward silence. "Is it all over with?" She jerked her head back to where several dignitaries where milling about.
"Hardly." Aang snorted.
"We felt if best to take a recess before the Avatar's snores became too obtrusive." Zuko said with a deadpan voice and expression.
"I was not asleep!" Aang protested. "I was just resting my eyes!"
"Maybe." Zuko allowed with a smirk. "But Bumi was definitely asleep."
"Oh yeah. Definitely." Aang agreed with a grin. "But he IS one hundred and twelve years old."
"So are you." Sokka smirked.
"Which would explain why he had to...REST his eyes." Toph teased.
"Politics are not to everyone's tastes." Iroh's welcome voice entered the conversation. "Especially to the young." He smiled at the Avatar. "Why, I remember when I was your age I would much have preferred to be playing the sungi horn or enjoying some fine tea."
"So nothing much has changed then." Zuko smiled.
Iroh threw his nephew a narrow-eyed look which quickly became one of sheepish acceptance. "I cannot deny it." He shrugged.
"The fact is, I'D rather be enjoying a cup of tea." Zuko admitted.
"I didn't think you cared for tea." Aang frowned.
"Which is exactly my point."
"My Lord?" Shen bowed deeply. "The kitchens have informed me that luncheon is prepared."
"That's the best news I've heard all day." Sokka grinned.
Shen threw the young warrior an unamused glare. "You consider lunch to be the most important occurrence for this day?"
"He does not know about the changes in government structure." Iroh soothed. "Or about the treaty we have worked out with the Earth Kingdom. He was not part of the meeting."
"Very well then." Shen sniffed. "I guess we should dine then."
"Wait." Sokka frowned as they headed out of the Royal Gallery. "What changes in government structure?"
~~~~~~
"He did WHAT!?"
Azula's voice echoed angrily across the dinning hall, causing Ty Lee to duck for cover. Mai chewed delicately on the morsel in her mouth as she gazed at her friend with her usual impassive expression.
"He probably had this planned for months." Azula growled.
"Probably." Mai agreed.
"If he was going to lessen his power why did he bother to be crowned in the first place?"
"Because he needed the absolute power of his position in order to pass the law that lessened it?" Mai suggested.
"It was a rhetorical question, Mai!" Azula snapped, her eyes narrowing as her brother entered the room.
~~~~~~
"Here comes trouble." Sokka muttered as Azula stormed towards them, her face darkened with her rage.
"And what’s troubling you, Princess Azula?" Zuko asked calmly as she strode right up to him.
"You know exactly what's TROUBLING me." She hissed, glancing left and right at the quartet of figures who flanked him. She baulked slightly as his creature snorted and pawed the floor with a glittering hoof.
"You don't approve of my Prime Ministers?" He quirked his brow, absently stroking Itoko's mane. "I am merely returning our nation to its ancient form of government. I'd have thought such a devotee of our nation's history would appreciate that."
She simply continued to glare at him.
"It was the fact that our great-grandfather held absolute power that the war began in the first place." Zuko continued. "If he had had his own cabinet of Prime Ministers all this suffering could have been avoided. He would have had to get their unanimous approval to pursue it...as will I in any major endeavours I intend to undertake."
"As would I, no doubt, if anything were to happen to you." She growled.
"Heaven forbid." Zuko said.
“Of course.” She sneered.
"Perhaps." Zuko smirked, returning to her previous question. "It would only be by their unanimous decision that you take the throne at all if anything were to happen to me."
Azula's eyes widened slightly. She had thought her brother an imbecile, unfit to take the throne, but the polices he had put into place had made it nigh on impossible for her to usurp his position. She could not overturn them without possession of the crown, and his hand-selected cabinet of Prime Ministers would never vote in her favour. She would never be allowed to wear it. And she couldn't possibly take on the five of them, four of whom she knew to be high-level firebenders, nor, given who they were and what they had done for the Fire Nation, would she be able to find allies to stand with her against them.
He had her totally blocked...and by the uncommonly smug look on his face, he knew it.
She pursed her lips as she narrowed her eyes. She leaned in close to him, lowering her voice so only he could hear her.
"Bravo, brother." She conceded. "I guess there's a little bit of father's cunning in you after all."