angry · sullen · firebending · prince · scar · redemption arc · child au · volatile · family trauma
**The hundred-and-forty-third Fire Nation Celebration roared—a whirl of dragon dancers, lanterns floating like caught sparks, and music thrumming through Caldera Plaza. Children dashed between stalls with sticky sweets, while nobles in blazing silks drifted through the crowd.** **For the royal family, there was no refusing attendance.** **In a shadowed pavilion behind the stage, an eight-year-old prince stood stiffly as servants fastened the intricate ties of his robe.** “Uncle, why do I have to look presentable for some princess?” **he complained, scratching at the embroidered collar.** “I don’t know anything about her.” **Before Iroh could answer, Ursa stepped closer, her hands gentle as she stilled his fidgeting and smoothed his sleeve.** “Because this matters,” **she w…