Work Text:
They're a myriad of servants within the extravagant palace. Everyone held essential stations, each with various obligations regardless of age. Crucial attendants were those who served the aristocrats directly. Imperial gentlewomen possessed their lady's maids. Likewise, the gentlemen had their valets. However, the youngsters were too young for personalized attendants. So naturally, the magnificent household used a couple of nannies to cater to them.
Presently, only one individual remains employed, Nanny Aelia. She'd come from a long line of imperial nursemaids. Her household had held the position since Sozin's granddad's youth. Given their history, they're top-quality. Moreover, they'd helped bring up multitudinous nobles. Thus it was quite a prestigious position.
An extraordinary suite served as their living quarters. Impressive trappings plus sizable windows engulfed the suite in Agni's life-giving rays. The only classier suites belong to the personalized servants of the imperial dynasty.
Sitting in front of her majestic vanity was Nanny Aelia. Like her mother and grandmother before, she took pride in her presentation. Aelia made sure to brush her hair with hundred strokes every evening. Like the rest of her bloodline, she wasn't a bender. However, she was intelligent, strong-willed, and didn't tolerate nonsense.
Her entire household has been exceedingly devoted followers of Agni. Every day they'd recited their prayers to the solar deities. To demonstrate how influential their religion was, they wore a particular amulet. A golden flame was cradling a ruby phoenix. After finishing her nightly routine, she cautiously removed her lavalière. Then she climbed into her sizable canopy bed to write in her journal before sleeping.
"Agni smiled down on our nation today. We've had a flourishing year with our harvest. Unfortunately, Fire Lord Iroh reached the challenging decision to annul an undertaking most people supported. However, it would've resulted in critical destruction to the ecosystem. Not to mention desecrating consecrated soil.
I'm aware some aren't thrilled with the program termination. Yet we've to consider the long-term. If we'd proceeded with the petroleum pipeline, the long-term consequences would've been far more catastrophic.
I realize that society is grappling with unifying. Everyone is working harder on being more considerate. Moreover, listening to others' viewpoints moreover recommendations. Nevertheless, we've to be willing to negotiate.
We can't keep thinking short-term. Nor permit these hindrances to persevere. We've to focus on the more consequential picture. Furthermore, we must focus on what will benefit us in the long run. Nobody is ever going to be entirely satisfied or agree with everything. Nevertheless, we must at least attempt to listen and respect others.
Politics seem much more straightforward in comparison to my regular line of work. As the royal's nanny, no one encountered a child-like Princess Azula in my family's entire history. She's so heartless, vile, moreover apathetic. Her hubris only matches her lack of respect. That child couldn't tell the truth if her life depended on it. She only views things in terms of power and gain.
To her, people are as expandable as paper or flies she can pulverize. No one is a living being to her. As far as I know, no one in living memory ever encountered a child such as Azula. I acknowledge that Ozai was a twisted, sinister individual. However, Azula's brutality is at an entirely new level. Is she sincerely the chosen champion of Anto, the Black Spirit Death? Agni, please protect us," as she closed her journal. Setting it next to her spectacles on the bedside table. Yawning once, she then snuffed out the candle.
The day-to-day work day began at first light. She was starting with a hot bath freshly laundered uniform ending with making herself satisfactory. She faced the rising sun chanting her daily prayers. Concluding her prayers, she departed to the servants' dining hall. Even at her advanced age, she dressed immaculately. The staff recognized aside from Aneurin and Calypso, Aelia was in charge.
Out of the power trio, Aelia's occupation within the downstairs family consisted of the following. That everyone stayed impeccable, punctual, organized, and well-mannered. She demanded the staff live up to those standers. The staff viewed her as their grandmother. Therefore they didn't cross her nor their 'parents' Aneurin and Calypso.
When Aelia arrived for breakfast, everyone immediately straightened their posture and courteously welcomed her. She acknowledged them then they took their seats. After a quick prayer to Agni plus the Fire Lord, they could have their breakfast.
"So, Calypso, how Lady Ilah?" Aelia questioned curiously. Even her table manners remained impeccable. She discreetly eyed everyone else to make them indisputable they mind their manners. Thankfully they all were.
Wiping her painted lips, she replied. "Lady Ilah is scheduled for her monthly appointment with the royal physicians. I don't believe there is anything to worry about regarding her health. Lady Ilah has continuously been in excellent health."
"Yes, Azulon and Ilah are quite healthy. They follow a wholesome diet plus exercise every day. So I doubt the medical practitioner will unearth anything wrong in her examination," Aneurin chimed in as he passed the platter of jam tarts to Anya.
"Speaking of doctor's appointments, Aneurin. Aren't the children's examinations coming up?" Anya, the garment maker, inquired respectfully. Anya savored the jam tarts that Hana made since she studied Beryl's previous culinarian ingredients.
"Yes, Princess Azula's visit is the day after tomorrow. I don't doubt she's healthy physically. But psychologically? We all know that's another story," Aelia admitted as she savored the spiced beverage.
"Is there a rational motive why they haven't sent the young princess to a therapist? I presumed we'd have one of those in the palace. Or am I mistaken?" inquired a bewildered Tomi as he sipped his refreshment.
The head of the downstairs family sighed before setting down his glass. Then answered, "Yes, there is an imperial therapist, Tomi. However? He's on his second honeymoon currently. Therefore, they don't have anyone to fill in." Aneurin familiarized him.
The young attendant decided not to add two senses anymore. He merely finished his meal. The rest of the subordinates finished their meals as Hana immediately gathered the dishware to wash them.
Bidding them a good day, Aelia reported to her post upstairs. Her first job every day was making indisputable Azula look satisfactory. Nevertheless, she firmly expected Azula to make her own bed and clean up her dormitory.
Azula may be a princess. However, that meant squat to Aelia. They'd sought to teach the nobles to be moderately self-sufficient in her bloodline. Therefore, they'd them do little things. For example, keeping their chambers clean to humble them. Arriving in the young princess's bedchamber, she immediately observed Azula hadn't dressed, nor had she cleaned up her quarters.
"Princess Azula, why haven't you dressed or picked up your room?" Aelia questioned her sternly. The little demon's golden eyes glared at her with contempt.
"Because that's beneath my station. That's what servants are for. I'm a princess. Therefore I'm above that," the child replied with disdain in her voice.
Aelia's yellowish-green eyes narrowed at the youngster. Then, clearing her throat, she lectured her sternly. "Princess Azula, you may've been born into an imperial household. Yet, you aren't incapable of dressing yourself.
Also, young lady, it's your responsibility to keep your room orderly. Your cousin, Prince Zuko, is quite capable of dressing himself. Furthermore, he keeps his bedroom tidy. No servants necessary there."
"Zu-Zu is a failure. He's so pathetic that he can't even act like a proper prince," she replied snarkily. It took all of Aelia's lifetime of self-control not to flog the three-year-old. "Princess Azula, need I remind you how a proper young lady behaves?"
Glaring hatefully at her, the nursemaid proceeded. "From the lowest beggar to the Fire Lord himself, everyone should properly conduct themselves. Therefore, we must be respectful moreover cordial to others. We must keep our word. A proper member of society doesn't throw tantrums or neglect their education.
We're both tactful and honest with others. It's essential to feel compassion and listen to others. Not to judge someone at face value. We must also recognize no one is entitled to anything in life. We must work for what we want, or it means nothing.
That young lady is how a proper member of society behaves. It's how your family expects you to act. I also expect you to behave like a mature, courteous young lady. I realize you're only three, Princess Azula. However, its most beneficial to acquire these attributes as soon as possible. Then develop them as we get maturer. Consequently, you're to work on your behavior every day."
Azula's eyes watched her nanny like a hawk. Her cunning mind sought the best of how to influence her. To get her to do what she desired. So, she didn't have to follow this old bat's commands. Instead, she followed Aelia as they headed to the dining room. Azula got further aggravated upon entering the dining room. Aelia kept correcting her posture and etiquette. Finally, Azula silently seethed, sick of this treatment.
The servants brought in the royal family's breakfast, consisting of rice porridge, yakizana (fish), tamagoyaki (omelet), and farm-fresh produce, and topped it with green tea. At the head of the table sat the patriarch and matriarch. Females on the right and males on the left, in birth order. It seriously pissed Azula that she was last in the line. Nevertheless, she disregarded the conversation going on. Lord Azulon and Lady Ilah continued reassuring their son Fire Lord Iroh that their physician visits weren't anything to despair about.
"Don't worry so much, Iroh. The physicians for years asserted we are both as healthy as an ostrich horse and strong as a Komodo rhino. So there is no need to worry about us," Lady Ilah attempted to soothe her son.
"All the same, Mother. I don't desire anything unexpected to befall you."
"Iroh, you know one day we shall not be here. You can't fight the inevitable. Still, at the moment, nothing to be a concern," his mother replied as she sampled her green tea.
"Still, we will constantly be concerned about you, Mother. So, Father, what do you two intend to do after your visits?" Kimana questioned her in-laws.
"After the visit, we intend to spend a week in the countryside. It's the standard recommendation from the physicians," Azulon replied as he leisurely ate his fish.
"Well, if you want to visit the countryside, I suggest you visit my sister's settlement. Himawari is quite nice this time of year. Also, Nurita and Ember enjoy it when family visits," Kimana noted.
"Perhaps we should all plan a trip next week to Himawari? I miss Aunt Nurita. Plus, Ember doesn't get to see her cousin nearly enough," Lu Ten suggested.
"Yes, a weekend away would benefit all our health. I, for one, am longing to see the brand-new perennials your family's cultivated." Ursa replied as blossoms reminded her of her parents.
"I'd love to visit my cousin Ember. I want to show her how much I have progressed on the Tsungi horn. I wonder if she's advanced on shamisen," Zuko pipped up excitedly.
"Well, then its settled. We'll all visit Himawari next week. After we've all seen the doctor and you two finish your exams for the week," Lord Azulon determined.
Zuko beamed at the news while Azula only scowled. Though she immediately smiled when Aelia gave her a pointed look. After breakfast concluded, the children had their lessons until lunch. After lunch until three, they'd classes. From three to five was when they'd their various artistic studies. Today there were no firebending lessons: firebending and imaginative tutoring alternated days. Consequently, there would be time for each. Today's creative activities included painting and poetry.
Azula again did not need such frivolous pursuits. On the contrary, she loathed the days when she didn't get to practice firebending. However, Aelia had discovered a creative way to guarantee Azula didn't abuse her firebending.
She'd Kimana and Ursa to thank for this. They're specific teas that help strengthen one's chi. The higher the chi levels, the more potent the bender. Depending on the dosage, you could concoct a liquid with the correct flowers that inhibit one's chi for forty-eight hours. Sometimes, the kitchen servants slipped some of the clear, tasteless extracts into Azula's drink.
She hadn't figured it out, thankfully. However, it remained one of the rare ways to reign her in. Though the family comprehended, it was moderately harsh. Yet, they didn't know how else to guarantee Azula wouldn't abuse her bending.
The remainder of the day proceeds ordinarily. Aelia still refused to clean up Azula's bedroom for her. Furthermore, they had forbidden the staff to do it. Yet, she went about doing what she could. She didn't care for Azula's arrogant nature or bragging regarding her education. Yes, the girl was quite intelligent, but she seemed too determined to abuse her cousin in any way possible.
That evening, Azula ultimately figured out how to get her revenge on this wrenched woman. When Aelia lectured her that it was her responsibility to take care of her room, Azula snapped. She threw one of her most significant tantrums and was physical with Aelia. In the scuffle, she managed to nick Aelia's family necklace. Azula intended to get rid of the accessory by melting it. That'd show that stupid nanny. You didn't tell her what to do.
Aelia quickly realized her necklace was missing. Everyone came together to find it. Unfortunately, Azula had achieved her goal of melting it by the time they found it.
Azula got her severest punishment ever for this one. Being grounded for two months allowed no form of entertainment. Firebending lessons were suspended until further notice—no dessert for the next three months. She remained locked in her bedroom except for meals, bathroom, or classes.
Aelia was devastated by the loss of her family's cherished heirloom. However, Lady Ilah had an identical spare necklace. Feeling a bit better, everyone couldn't help but wonder how many more measures they'd have to take with Azula in the future.