🔥 “Girls’ Brunch — The Truth About Kai’s Arrangements”
Azula, Mai, Ty Lee, Ursa, and older Kiyi. Politics, friendship, and the pain of arranged futures.
EXT. FIRE NATION PALACE — PRIVATE GARDEN TERRACE — LATE MORNING
The table is set with tea and pastries.
The atmosphere is warm, relaxed… until Kiyi speaks.
Big sis, when are you and Kai getting married?
Azula sighs, but not angrily — more like she’s tired of the question.
Kiyi, we’ve discussed this.
Everything with you is complicated.
It was a political arrangement.
I know how these things work.
Mai and Ty Lee exchange a look.
Mai folds her hands neatly.
You know there were multiple proposals on the table.
Every noble family has options.
Right! And I was one of them!
Ty Lee nods enthusiastically.
Yep! My family was pushing for it.
They thought Kai would “balance my energy.”
after Ty Lee’s family made their pitch, mine did too.
Azula’s eyes widen — not in ignorance, but in betrayal.
I didn’t think I needed to ask.
Ty Lee leans forward, earnest.
Our families were just… doing what noble families do.
Azula looks away, jaw clenched.
I know how politics work.
I didn’t think either of you would be considered.
Ursa finally speaks — quiet, steady, full of lived pain.
That’s the cruelty of arranged matches.
They don’t care about feelings.
Azula looks at her mother — really looks.
I was given to Ozai without a choice.
My family decided my life for me.
I never wanted that for you.
I didn’t even like Kai back then.
Kiyi leans forward, fascinated.
So Aunt Azula got him because Grandpa Ozai said yes?
I got him because he stayed.
Because he chose me after the politics ended.
That’s the part that matters.
It’s actually really sweet!
Azula tries — and fails — to hide the faint blush on her cheeks.
I regret ever sitting down at this table.
And Azula — despite herself — lets out a small, reluctant smile.
