Three years. Almost three whole years had gone by without meeting Xing.

After the ‘stalling’ of the Omashu campaign, the 11th returned to battle and harvested a bounty of renown, favors and notoriety without a full break since. The princess used those gains and converted them into influence and prestige in the royal court, building a quiet powerbase for herself.

Officers freed from prisoner exchanges were indebted to Azula and her regiment, especially considering how the princess did not ask for any material compensation, only demanding that the rescued men and women fight harder. Lesser nobles were given scraps of merit by having their scions go through the rigors of the 11th’s training ground and getting a letter of recommendation out of it. Generals and colonels discreetly petitioned the princess for her regiment to work alongside their children’s units as a means to keep them safe in harsher phases of the war.

Her father had also twice now requested for sending the 11th to fix problems that could not be dealt with by overpromising commanders. Two stubborn holdouts had been promptly dealt with, without the messy casualties that the failed generals and their divisions had suffered. The only wounded from breaking the last mountaintop fort were several sprained ankles, in exchange for the several hundred slit throats and mutilated corpses over the course of six nights, and the terrified surrender of the remaining four thousand or so garrisoned Earth Kingdom soldiers after that.

Fire Lord Ozai cared not for the accusations of barbarity carried out by the 11th Regiment, and gave Azula his explicit permission to deal with the nobles who belittled her soldiers. Especially when they’d achieved such sterling results after the pathetic failures of generals and their much larger forces. Azula was sure that her father found some inspiration in the terror tactics Xing had orchestrated; he almost smiled during dinner in the following days.

Unfortunately, fixing the mistakes of incompetent and overambitious commanders was becoming a tiring chore that Azula had to handle out of court. Many commanders took affront to the honor bestowed on the 11th Regiment, and took it upon themselves to be even more daring and reckless in their leadership. As if their pitiful results would actually change Azula’s mind enough to transfer her patronage to them.

A few had dared to blatantly insinuate Xing’s unworthiness, but thankfully Training Captain Ren was more than happy enough to serve as champion on her colonel’s behalf and handily wipe the floor with them. The captain had the grace to only lightly mangle her opponents before putting an end to each duel. After Azula intervened and made it clear that any further insults to the regiment was an insult to her, the calls for duels stopped.

And instead the princess had to deal with simpering nobles still looking down on her youth, and idiotic pissants who kept laboring behind the scenes to try diverting her favor.

The only bright side was the subtle attempts at sabotage. It gave Ren the chance to teach the officers how to deal with internal squabbles. Azula had read the reports, and she only needed to suggest a few improvements in the way the trainees vanished unwanted troublemakers. Ren’s experience in noble circles must have been quite interesting for her to be so thorough.

Still, for all the small bits of fun, for all the praise she was garnering from her regiment’s good work, Azula felt a growing tingle of annoyance that she couldn’t meet Xing.

The battalions and even the bodyguards were put in a rotation for breaks, giving them the chance to return to the home islands, which many took at least once.

All except for Xing. Because the colonel made it a point to always be present when the regiment was sent to the front lines. At best, he would stop in Zilang during short resupply breaks, but otherwise would be leading the 11th across the Earth Kingdom continent in search of more glory to reap on behalf of his princess.

The tactic killed off any chance of using his absence as an excuse, and the constant stream of testimonies of Xing’s growing prowess and accomplishments would serve as a reminder that the young commander still had not reached his prime. Already the Defiant 11th and the Scorpion Dragon leading them were becoming names to be dreaded among the Earth Kingdom armies. Recent battles had seen the mere appearance of the regiment breaking the spirits of the enemy and turning the tide of battle. In the north and east, Xing had been personally responsible for routing armies by obliterating their command structure.

Azula had to send warnings to keep him from repeating the reckless stunts too often, but the results were still very favorable.

In the south especially, the lines of the Omashu-led coalition bent and shifted to avoid her soldiers, unless there was a significant advantage in numbers. It was incredibly satisfying to hear that enemy generals would immediately call for parley, or fortified towns opening their gates immediately when they saw her regiment’s banners. Azula had learned to not only enjoy the fear, but also savor the respect of the Earth Kingdom forces.

They were an honest enemy at the very least, especially when compared to the courtiers and two-faced officials in the palace. The commanders of the southern coalition especially were more liberal about humbly requesting for prisoner exchanges or allowances for retrieving the dead for proper burial. The damnable nobles in court sneered behind her back for repaying respect with respect, as if it weren’t their own brothers and sons being freed or returned to the family crypts.

Fucking spineless shits.

So yes, Azula understood the need for Xing to be constantly out there, but she didn’t like it at all. There was some satisfaction in exchanging letters, but she could admit to missing his voice, his smirk, his…well, pretty much all of Xing. She’d grown up enough to acknowledge that she…greatly looked forward to seeing him again.

Of course, she didn’t admit it in the open, only to Ren, and Ping when the latter came back for a break. The two captains had become a pillar that Azula found herself clinging to for support. They respected her, but never truly feared her, slowly conditioning the princess to their affections and trust. Azula quickly saw them as the older sisters she never had, and found herself looking to their counsel more and more.

That they weren’t lecturing and judging like Uncle Iroh or uncompromising like father made it easy to seek the captains’ opinions. Ren’s and Ping’s advice made it clear that they genuinely cared for her wellbeing, not like mother. And they were unafraid to confront Azula’s spikier side unlike Zuko.

To say that Azula was protective of them was an understatement. She’d already exerted some quiet influence to cancel an arranged betrothal Ping very reluctantly agreed to, so to say that Azula would not kill for her sisters, at least indirectly, would be a lie.

The fat fuck would’ve died soon out of health complications anyway, Captain Sungho (very reliable man, that one) merely sped up the inevitability and ensured that the useless bastard wouldn’t mar Ping in any way during his short remaining existence.

Zuko and uncle would’ve frowned at her actions, but they were out in spirits-know-where, while Ping tearfully hugged and thanked Azula when she inevitably found out (suspicion was still on Ren or Kai).

She knew whose opinion truly mattered.

Which was why Azula was comfortable enough in baring her thoughts to Ren about the coming trip.

“Don’t worry, Azula,” the captain offered while guiding little Fan’s unsteady steps across the empty hallway. The few soldiers and staff passing by quickly hurried past them and did their best to become temporarily deaf. “I’m sure Xing is just as nervous as you... And not as good at hiding it as you are.”

“Are you sure?” she couldn’t help ask. “It’s been some years. What if…what if he doesn’t…”

Ren fixed Azula with a look of exasperation and amusement. One that was only tolerated because it was Ren giving it. “The boy’s spirit-touched, not cabbage-brained. And we’ve got Ping keeping an eye on him. Xing might have to personally deal with civvies and female soldiers, but I’m pretty confident that he won’t be looking at them the way he’ll be looking at you.”

That was somewhat comforting, but still… “But if-”

The captain snorted. “Azula, princess, relax. I’ll bet Kai’s balls that the colonel knows better than to consider other girls, even ones his age. Koshi has confirmed the burn orders are still in place, so he’s still not read a single marriage proposal. And Xing might be of that age, but I bet his brain’s stronger than his dick.” Azula scowled at the captain’s vulgar words, and then felt herself blush a bit at the sudden flashing image of Xing’s…bits.

Of course, Ren noticed, and she waggled her eyebrows at the princess. “I’ll also bet it’s grown along with the rest of him. Kai did say that Xing’s is rather impressi-”

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“That’s enough, Ren,” Azula interrupted with a cough, and definitely not blushing at the thought of a very naked Xing. “I heard you the first five times.”

“Heh. Well, at the most, you’ll have to remind our dear Xing of his loyalties to you.”

“But he’s still a colonel… Is… Can he wait?”

Father and the war council had been adamant that making Xing general would be a matter of time, not feats. Azula knew it was in part her father’s way to keep the boy loyal and hardworking, while also placating the more conservative commanders. Because the moment he got promoted to general and earned the minimum nobility to go with it, Xing would undoubtedly be instantly married off to Azula, and if anyone said otherwise she’d use them as regimental spear practice.

Only the chasm between royalty and commoners provided significant scandal and uproar for Azula to actually be worried about, and the Fire Lord knew it.

“If he can’t wait, we’ll teach him how to,” Ren promised, and the princess smiled gratefully at the offer. “Besides, it’s a perk of a royal to have a few…ah, side pieces stashed away, right?”

Again, Azula felt herself blushing, but she shook her head at the thought. Xing did not deserve to be a ‘side piece’. One did not relegate the best choice, the best candidate, to an auxiliary role. “No. It will send the wrong message. I will have Xing as an equal. I am not going to be some vapid girl playing general and entertaining herself with little favors.”

Ren’s smile was annoyingly bright. “Well said, princess. In that case, I suppose you’ll have to really remind Xing that you’re worth the wait then.”

Sometimes, Azula wished that the captain would be as fearful and simpering like the other nobles.

With the royal bodyguards joining them outside, they slowly made their way to Shu Jing’s port that had been recently renovated to accommodate the traffic of recruits and vacationing soldiers. A small corvette loaned by Admiral Dae to the 11th Regiment awaited the princess and the captain, with Captain Kai and his bright, friendly smile patiently awaiting them at the jetty.

The big captain grinned as Ren led their daughter to him, though Azula still didn’t see what exactly was ‘adorable’ about the way the toddler stumbled across the jetty.

Amusing? Yes.

But ‘adorable’, ‘cute’ or ‘precious’? Xing had said that different people had different tastes, so maybe she didn’t see any value in clumsiness, even from a toddler.

“Your highness,” Captain Kai greeted, managing to bow formally with Fan squealing gleefully in his arms.

Azula nodded in return. “Captain. It’s been a few months. I’m frankly surprised that your daughter still remembers your face.”

Kai grinned. “So am I, your highness.”

“It’s his size,” Ren quipped. “Can’t find many walking hills like him to mistake them for other people.”

They embarked on the warship and began a trip to the capital. Azula graciously kept in the background and allowed the small family their private time, which inevitably meant she was left alone with her thoughts.

She’d finally get to meet Xing soon. Spirits, why was she suddenly feeling like it’s a bad idea?

Despite the inner turmoil, Azula composed herself with an iron will that was honed in the courts. By the time they approached the capital’s ports, the face of a coldly aloof crown princess greeted the waiting officials. At least these were not bowing too deeply, being members of her little faction for long enough to know the line between appropriate respect and simpering.

“Your highness,” the lead official declared loudly, and the crowd around Azula dropped to their knees. “Your loyal servants welcome you back.”

Loyal servants. She almost grinned at that. How much did the man mean it, truly?

Ah, right. Probably a lot, considering that she’d secured his promotion above his rivals recently. And ensured his daughter’s rejection from an unfavorable, but at the time necessary, union.

Seriously, what’s with the recent spate of fat, unlikeable nobles? Scout Captain Sungho had better have a break soon so Azula could send him to look into that…

In the present, the princess gave a slow nod and gestured for the crowd to rise. She walked with slow, purposeful steps behind the welcoming party back to the palace, with Ren further behind as protocol dictated while Kai ran off to join his battalion. It was easy to hide the annoyance at having the people she actually trusted kept at a distance, but at least they were close enough to the little procession for their presence to be noted.

Azula paused briefly, just to turn around and glare at a minor noble who could be heard daring to ‘advise’ Ren to silence Fan’s squeals and giggles. The spineless woman’s alabaster-white powdered face paled even further and she backed away into the crowd, and Ren threw Azula a grateful smile.

Giving a lone nod in reply, the princess turned her attention back to the front, and continued walking. The procession continued along with her as if nothing had happened, and Azula took some heart in hearing the gurgling toddler far behind her.

Fan went silent once they reached the steps of the royal palace, as if the little girl could also appreciate the sheer majesty and spectacle of the place. Azula looked up at the end of the stairs, and unsurprisingly her father was not there. He’d be with the other higher ranked nobles and officials in the royal court. The Fire Lord should have no real care for a mere colonel, after all.

But as the royal patron of the regiment, Azula did have every reason to be down here, and she was glad of being able to wait, even within the limits of stifling protocols.

The princess’ procession smoothly transitioned into a welcoming party, and they proceeded to wait. After basically three years of it, a little more wouldn’t be anything for Azula. She was most definitely not impatient, and there was no urge to tap her foot or just go to the other end of the street to fetch the returning colonel.

Yes, Azula knew patience. And patience sometimes sucked.

The cityfolk were also out in force, lining the main street that the royal regiment would march through. They were out with small banners and streamers, ready to hail the much storied soldiers of the much respected (if not feared or loved) crown princess.

The muted cheers from a distance away most definitely did not do anything to the princess’ annoyed nerves.

It took a bit more waiting and the morning sun lazily beat down on her, but eventually Azula saw him. Despite the animated crowd in the way, despite the stupid cloud of red and yellow paper confetti, at the head of the regiment was the unmistakable form of the 11th Royal Regiment’s colonel.

Her regiment.

Her colonel.

Xing had grown, his armored form catching up to those of his troops. His face was obscured as ever under the mail veil of his helmet, and he was sitting confidently astride a mongoose lizard. The beast lazily ignored the fanfare around it, while its rider turned from side to side, nodding at the cheering civilians like the hero they made him out to be.

Azula was sure their eyes met several times as he made his way over. She’d felt a strange stirring each time, one that made it hard to suppress a smile.

Eventually, Xing and the soldiers behind him approached the palatial gateway. He and his officers dismounted and marched on foot, the regimental banners of the royal flame and coiled scorpion following proudly behind them.

The soldiers removed their helmet as they approached the stairs, and only stopped when Xing finally got within a flame breath’s distance from the welcoming procession. The crash of almost two thousand armored knees simultaneously hitting the ground properly impressed and scared the high-nosed courtiers and officials.

Xing snapped up a sharp salute as he kept his head bowed. “Colonel Xing, of the Princess’ 11th Royal Regiment, has returned to pay his respects and offer his gratitude.”

It did not take Azula all of her might to grin or giggle. She was a master of her emotions. Really.

She managed a regal nod, keeping an aloof mask as befitted her station. “Welcome back, colonel. I am glad you’ve returned bearing many accomplishments in my name.”

“I am honored that your highness approves of my work as her regiment’s commander.”

Annoyed that he was maintaining protocol and keeping his head down, Azula let out a silent sigh as she mustered her voice. “Quite. Rise, my soldiers. Welcome home. Know that your services are greatly appreciated not only by me, but by the people of the Fire Nation.”

The raucous cheers gave Azula time to relax a bit, and finally meet Xing eye-to-eye. He’d…grown rather well over the short years, though the mischief and keen mind still shone through his gaze. Allowing herself just enough of a pause before it became improper, the princess gave Xing a ghost of a smile as she nodded, and then made to turn to head up the stairs.

“Come, colonel. The royal court and my father, the Fire Lord, awaits.”