Title: Prelude

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story, and am writing it purely for my own and my friends entertainment. No money is being made (though I wish it were, I like money!)

Author's Note: The idea for this story actually belongs to Regulus of Slytherin, who is also the inspiration for my Sokka. Go read her stories, they are amazing.

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"I will not do this," Azula growled, shredding a feathered pillow with her fingernails.

"You will obey me," the Fire Lord pulled the pillow from his daughter's hands and threw it across the room. "It is your duty as princess to serve your lord and your nation and you will…"

"It is NOT my duty to be a common whore who you can gift to any peasant who gets lucky!" Azula interrupted. It was an error she realized too late as the entire room went dark, only the candle beside her father remained lit.

"You," Ozai breathed with deadly calm, "will marry the man who can bring in the Avatar. Do you understand?"

Azula looked away. If her father saw the rebellion in her eyes, she'd likely end up with a scar to match her brothers.

Her brother! Of course, there might be a way out of this after all.

"And what if that man happens to be our dear Zuko? You don't honestly expect me to marry him?" She was pushing her luck with that tone of voice, but it couldn't be helped.

"If your brother manages to bring the Avatar in, then we will both likely die of shock before you could marry anyone." Ozai shook his head. "Zuko is a disappointment, and is unworthy of the throne. I expect, and will receive, better from you."

That gave Azula another handle, "And if I capture the Avatar?"

Ozai smirked, "If you capture the Avatar, then there need be no engagement…yet."

"I want more than that," Azula walked gracefully to her window, looking out at the peasants on the street. She refused to marry the likes of them! "I want your word that, should I capture the Avatar, I will be free to choose my own husband."

"I will not allow any man you happen to fall in love with to sit on my throne."

"Of course not," Azula waved a dismissive hand. "Do you think me so weak as to allow myself to fall in love? I am your daughter, my lord. As such, I will use the intelligence that you gave me and choose my future husband and lord, but only with your approval will we be wed. Fair?"

Ozai watched his daughter for a moment before answering, "Fair. Should you capture the Avatar and bring him to me than you will be free to choose your own candidate, but only with my approval will you be wed. Should you fail, and another brings in the Avatar first, then you will marry that man."

Azula closed her eyes briefly, sending a silent prayer to the gods for their help. Opening her eyes, she turned to smirk at her father, "Deal."