Chapter Text
Scenes are def based off of Charlotte and George <3
"I don't understand why I have to do this." Aurora huffed, sitting primly atop the saddle with her legs crossed in a way that made her hips ache. Every shift in position risked creasing the silk of her dress, and Mother Superior had already scolded twice for slouching.
"You know very well why you must do this, Aurora." Mother Superior's brown eyes narrowed on the girl, her voice as sharp as the snap up dry reeds. Aurora sighed and lifted her hands to smooth her bangs to the sides of her face. The movement further revealed the intricately inked arrow tattoo on her forehead—the mark of a master.
"His Imperial Highness chose you," Mother Superior continued. "You should be grateful. And flattered."
"And what does it take to be 'chosen'?" Aurora scoffed, rolling her eyes. "A young woman who can make lots of babies. One who can read and write. Someone with an impressive bending lineage. That is all that was required. Not to mention the requirements you gave. A powerful bender who could keep their mouth shut and listen—"
"That is enough, Aurora." Mother Superior told the child brusquely, but Aurora ignored her and kept ranting.
"An espionage mission, Mother? Has our people sunk so low?" The young bender asked, totally exasperated by what had been asked of her.
"Yes." Mother Superior snapped, and Aurora stilled at the rare, blunt admission. Her eyes and face hardened, gaze trained upon the mother's sun-aged face and grey hair.
"Something is coming, Aurora. You know this just as well as the other senior scholars." Aurora's lips pursed, chest rising and falling heavily in her bodice. "When Sister Marguerite chose you as a suitress for the prince—and as a candidate for this mission—I must admit I was wary. But if war comes, you are all we have."
Aurora inhaled thoughtfully through her nose, grey eyes piercing into Mother Superior's in a silent stand-off.
"What about Aang?"
"The Avatar's job is to create peace. Harmony. Balance," Mother Superior's gaze hardened. "The Guardian's place is to remind the world that the Avatar is not to be trifled with."
Aurora considered this carefully, her gaze drifting away from Mother Superior and to the islands spotting the ocean below. Having grown up in the Western Air Temple, she had always loved the Fire Nation. Admired it. Enjoyed it. But after this, she wasn't sure she still could.
"Look at me, Aurora." Mother Superior's voice softened, but her words still pressed heavily on Aurora's chest. It took all of the young airbender's courage to turn her head and look back at the woman. "This is a good thing. Your betrothal to the prince could ensure our people's safety, and perhaps even prevent a war. I understand you're upset—" Aurora rolled her eyes again, "but there are worse fates than being engaged and married to the Prince of the Fire Nation."
Aurora still wasn't convinced.
+++
The courtyard of the palace teemed with nobles and aristocrats, all craning for a glimpse at their future queen. Aurora took Mother Superior's hand as the bison lowered its tail, allowing the two to step onto the cobbled ground.
Aurora's stomach twisted nervously as she walked alongside Mother.
Aurora tried not to pay the gawkers any mind, but this was the side of the Fire Nation she had never seen. The nobility and aristocracy were foreign to her. She was semi-familiar with the Earth Kingdom's structure and rules, even though it was hard to fathom after being raised the way she was. The Air Nomads had a spiritual hierarchy, not a material one.
The gleaming aristocracy, high fashion and architecture were fascinating to her, despite the circumstances that had brought her to Capital City.
She finally let her head turn when they crossed the threshold into the palace, taking in every detail of the hallway they were passing through, her entire being itching to escape and explore, especially when they moved out of the hall into a beautiful, lush atrium built in the heart of the elaborate structure.
Mother Superior had to call her name to get her to quicken her stride again, and she steeled herself as they left the outdoors and walked the length of another long, menacing hallway.
"Please," Mother Superior began, glancing at the young woman. "Be agreeable."
At the end of the corridor two guards swept aside the heavy maroon curtain, and Aurora stepped through, into the firelight.
The throne room. She could tell instantly. Flames licked up the back wall, framing His Imperial Majesty Fire Lord Sozin, who was in the center of it all. He was an old man with thin grey hair and liver spots and a face cracked like stone. Aurora tried to ignore the shiver that raked down her spine when she saw Her Majesty next to him, Fire Lady Asa—half his age and all sharp, poised beauty.
It made her mind wander and wonder how old was the Prince? It was a normal thought any terrified sixteen-year-old would have. And spirits, she was absolutely terrified. But she would never let them know that.
Her Majesty descended the dais as the party of airbenders approached, and Aurora sunk into a bow alongside Mother Superior, placing the bottom of her palm against the top of her fist as was Fire Nation custom.
To her surprise, the Fire Lady returned the gesture in Air Nomad style.
"Your Majesties," Mother Superior stepped forward, "allow me to introduce Sister Aurora—one of our most advanced senior scholars."
"A child?" Fire Lady Asa's brows lifted, her tone more curious than cruel.
"It is my understanding that an airbender with powerful lineage was requested for His Highness's bride," Mother Superior looked between the Fire Lord and Lady, "Aurora mastered her bending at the earliest age known to the modern era."
"Hmm." Aurora's eyes locked with Sozin's, and she felt the nervous pit in her stomach grow even heavier. No wonder they suspected war was coming. Just look at him.
"Step forward, Sister Aurora." Fire Lady Asa commanded gently, and Aurora did as she was told. Instantly the woman began to inspect her, eyes traveling over every inch of her dress. Her lips pursed when she made it to the young woman's bare arms, and Aurora flinched when she lifted her hand to pull back her hair and inspect her ears.
What the actual fuck? Aurora couldn't help her racing thoughts as the Fire Lady stepped back with a soft sigh.
"Teeth." The regal woman demanded, and Aurora's brows instantly came together.
"I beg your pardon?" Aurora's head tilted back, a little shocked while she tried to put distance between herself and Her Majesty. And she wasn't too keen on the Fire Lord, either.
"Smile, child." Fire Lady Asa's face seemed to soften in understanding before Aurora obediently smiled, irritation simmering deep in her chest, once again thinking what the fuck? "Hands?" The queen lifted her own hands, palms up, and when Aurora placed her tattooed hands out she took them, scanning over them carefully.
Well manicured. Callused only from writing. Good.
"Mmhm." The Fire Lady stepped back, but then her brow crinkled as she stepped forward, and it took everything in Aurora not give Mother Superior a panicked look when Her Majesty roughly grabbed her hips, smoothing her skirt down to study her form. "Hips suitable for child bearing. That is good." Her Majesty did another circle around the Airbender. "But you're awfully sun-kissed, we'll have to keep you out of the sun until you are a more. . . suitable shade. And the freckles should fade." Her Majesty stilled in front of Aurora once again before lifting her hand, moving her curtain bangs to cover the arrow on her forehead.
"Will I be introduced to His Highness or—?"
"We'll have to fix this. It's rather unsightly." Her Majesty interrupted, smoothing the girl's long bangs over her forehead, frowning when she realized they covered her eyes.
Aurora had had enough. She stepped away, appalled by the fact anyone would consider making her cover up her tattoos.
"There is nothing to fix, Your Majesty." Aurora told the Fire Lady lowly. "And I must admit I am appalled by the mere suggestion." Aurora's eyes lifted challengingly to Sozin's, and she felt a wave of nausea overcome her when he saw a pleased gleam in his eyes.
"You've got spark." Aurora wanted to shiver when he finally spoke, a low gravelly tone that she could easily go the rest of her life without hearing. "She'll have Firebenders."
"She does not appreciate being spoken to like she is not present." Aurora snapped, but Mother Superior quickly stepped in.
"Apologies, Your Majesty. It's just that—"
His Majesty silenced her attempt at apology with a lazy lift of his gnarled, wrinkled hand. "Your honesty is appreciated, Sister Aurora."
Her grey eyes narrowed on the man, chin lifting a fraction and nostrils flaring, silently telling the monarch you don't scare me. But I sure as hell better scare you.
+++
The gown was suffocating—heavy silk that scratched like sandpaper, sleeves hiding her tattoos, skirts so long she could hardly take a full stride.
Every time she pulled the sleeves over her hands to reveal her tattoos, the handmaiden assisting the seamstress pulled them back down, effectively covering her heritage.
And she didn't like that. She had no qualms about who she was, and she wasn't going to hide it.
The dress was intricate and flamboyant, very different from the traditional robes and sari she had picked for the occasion. She actually found herself fantasizing for her own garments, an odd thing for her since she rarely considered her looks, and she wasn't known to be vain.
She ached for the red and yellow silk, with its delicate gold embroidery, as well as the mala beads Sister Marguerite had gifted to her.
The handmaids were making the final adjustments to her dress. Her bangs had been hacked against her will, styled to cover the arrow on her forehead, and it was the first time she had ever worn makeup. Her skin looked smooth and white and nothing like herself. It was horrible.
Every time she looked in the mirror it was as if she was staring upon a stranger.
"Is he handsome?" Aurora pestered the maids, because the betrothal ceremony was growing closer, and she had still yet to meet her soon-to-be fiancé. "Kind? Funny? Artistic?" There had always been unsavory murmurings about the Fire Nation Royal Family, and all she seemed to be able to do was pray that the prince broke the mold. "Or is he cruel? Ugly? Mentally slow?"
There were only murmurings about 'wonderful children' and Aurora frowned, contemplating her options.
Did she really want to go through with this? Betrothed to a man she had never met? Marry the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation? Spend the rest of her life in gilded chains. . . or run?
If given the option between fight or flight, an airbender will always choose flight.
+++
Sneaking out of the palace should not have been as easy as it was. She easily glided through the halls, hitching up her heavy skirts up around her calves while she carefully found her way out into the back gardens, which were quiet and empty.
Her eyes carefully searched her surroundings, brain moving a million miles a minute to quickly solve her problem. She had to get out. She couldn't do this. War be damned, she wasn't going to be the sacrificial lamb.
She laughed softly and triumphantly when she came upon a lattice creeping up the garden wall, rubbery vines woven into the wood. She didn't want to use her bending and draw attention. But apparently a young woman clad in traditional formalwear was enough.
"Need help?" She frowned when a strange man's voice spoke out to her.
"No." Aurora's brow furrowed as she stared up at the garden wall. It was high, at least ten feet, and she wasn't sure if she could do it without the assistance of her bending and with her heavy dress and skirts. "You can go back inside with the other gawkers."
"What are you doing?" The man asked, clearly ignoring her brusque comment.
"Nothing." She instantly denied him an answer, because she knew her dress made her situation quite obvious.
"You are." He countered.
"I'm not."
"You are."
With a huff Aurora stepped down from where her foot was wedged in the lattice, and she looked up at the wall as a whole. "Trying to climb the wall without being noticed. Or using my bending."
"Well, you're doing quite poorly." Aurora looked back at the man with a sarcastic look. He was just a glance in her peripherals before she looked back at the wall.
"Thank you for your unsolicited input." She stated dryly.
"And why exactly are you trying to climb the wall?"
"Because I think he might be a beast." She answered honestly, lifting her fingers to her lips so she could nervously chew on her cuticles. She had been doing so well leading up to that day, but she couldn't help herself. "Or a troll."
"We're speaking of the prince?" The man pressed quizzically.
"That is none of your business." Aurora glanced back at him before letting out a heavy sigh, staring back up at the wall. "Fine. Yes. No one will tell me anything about him." Spirits, this dress was so heavy and it was so hot. How could she accomplish this?
"Of course."
"You know if I grab there. . . yes!" Aurora hiked up her skirt, having little care for propriety. "Perhaps you can assist me by lifting me up."
"So it matters what he looks like? The prince?"
"No. What I loathe is not knowing. Now, here. Just take hold here," she placed her hands on her hips. "With a lift I. . . I think I can make it over."
"You want me to lift you over the wall so you can escape?" He asked.
"Are you deaf? That's what I just said, isn't it?"
"I have no intention of helping you." He told her honestly, and she heard heavy boots against the stone walkway as he took two steps towards her. She instantly let go of the lattice and quickly turned to face him. And spirits, how much makeup did she need?
"I am a lady in distress. You refuse to help a lady in distress?" She finally got a good look at the man. He had amber eyes, and lovely milky skin. A sharp jaw and cheekbones, and long, silky black hair that fell a few inches below his shoulders. He was handsome.
"I refuse when the lady in distress is trying to climb over a wall to escape me." Aurora let out a breath, her eyes widened as she took a step back, shocked. "Hello, Aurora." He pressed his knuckles together, bowing respectfully, but he still had a wicked smirk on his lips that made her stomach twist. "I am Azulon."
She inhaled sharply, mind reeling while she rushed to gather her self. "Your Imperial High--" She bowed lowly, but his long, lithe hand reached out to stop her.
"Not 'Your Imperial Highness.'" He corrected, taking his hand from her wrist as she stood up straight. "Just Azulon."
"I am. . ." her cheeks and chest flushed red, heat rising up her neck as she nervously searched for the right words. "Please, you must accept my apology. If I had known--"
"You would have what?" His head tilted to the side, making his smirk lilt in a way that was almost endearing. "Hidden your plan to flee?"
"Yes—I mean," he chuckled, a deep, pleasant sound, and he had such a nice smile. "I do apologize, Your Highness."
"I'd like to be just Azulon to you." He took another step toward her as he corrected her. "Though, perhaps that's foolish, since you don't wish to marry me."
"I didn't say that."
"You did."
"I didn't."
"You did."
She let out a frustrated hum, holding his amber gaze. She foresaw a lot of this in her future. "I do not know you."
"I don't know you either." He reasoned with a shrug. "All I know is that you are. . . terrible at climbing walls."
"You try in this dress. It weighs more than me." She lifted her large skirt in her hands, very displeased with the amount of pomp and circumstance. "What?" He was just staring at her. Studying her.
"You may be too beautiful to marry me," he told her. "People will talk, given that I am a beast."
"Your highness—"
"Azulon." She laughed softly when he corrected her.
"Azulon." His name felt a little odd on her tongue.
"What do you want to know?"
"Pardon?"
"You do not know me. What do you want to know about me?"
She sighed, linking her fingers in front of her, carefully studying him before finally answering. "Everything."
"Everything?" She nodded. "Well, I was born a twin, but my sister died when we were very young. I have an older sister as well, but she's off somewhere doing fantastical things only she could imagine. I am quite the swordsman, an even better firebender, and a horrible diplomat," this made Aurora chuckle softly. The prince? A bad diplomat? "I enjoy books, and art, and good conversation," he gestured between the two, "and I am extremely nervous to step out before my court and announce a stranger I've only just met as my betrothed." Aurora's jaw clenched, her heart softening a fraction because at least that was something they had in common. "But I cannot show it and climb over a wall because I am the crown prince of the Fire Nation, and I must do what is best for my people."
Aurora's heart hammered against her chest because maybe they weren't so different. Two kids forced into this betrothal for the betterment of their respective people.
"But I promise you, I am neither a troll, or a beast. Just Azulon."
Aurora let out a sigh through her nose as she carefully regarded the prince.
"Now, I must ask you, Sister Aurora, do you intend to climb over that wall and flee, or will you allow me to escort you inside for our betrothal ceremony?" Azulon held out his hand, and she rubbed her lips together, glancing briefly back at the lattice before staring down at her ghastly dress.
"I'll need to change first."