Azula Marinus swam steadily toward the Crown Princess's chambers, already sensing the difficult day ahead. The guards stationed outside the pristine doors nodded as she approached, murmuring thanks as they opened the entrance for her. The chamber remained dim despite the glowing Crystal Jellyfish floating lazily through the water. 'I must purchase more Crystal Jellys,' she thought, reaching out to nudge one gently, watching it drift toward the princess's sleeping form.

The giant clam shell bed, lined with softest seaweed and sea moss, held Cordelia in slumber. Azula sighed, her webbed fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face. 'Your highness, it is time for breakfast. The king and queen have waited long enough to demand I bring you myself.' Her tail swayed rhythmically, sending small currents that scattered the glowing jellyfish further into the room.

'But Azullaaaaa,' Cordelia whined, tail flicking dismissively as she tugged her kelp-woven blanket over her face. 'It's not fairrr! I don't want to eat! Those nasty cooks will only serve more healthy food! They keep saying it'll make me prettier, as if I'm not already perfect!'

Azula tugged the blanket away, meeting the princess's indignant gaze. 'They are right, Princess. And you have preparations today. You'll be meeting your fiance and his entourage later—surely you didn't forget?'

Cordelia shot up, kelp strands clinging to her hair. 'I don't even want to marry him! Humans are disgusting creatures! You remember what they did to our kind all those years ago, don't you?!' She combed her fingers through her hair roughly, the coral walls echoing her frustration.

Silence hung heavy in the water as Azula's gills fluttered with the memory of her parents' deaths. She busied herself straightening the blanket before swimming to Cordelia's side. 'I know... but this is your duty. I understand how you feel, but it will help secure our kingdom's future.' Azula picked up a brush and began carefully detangling Cordelia's hair. 'I'll be with you through the entire meeting. If you need me to kick some human butt, I will.' She nudged Cordelia's side, hoping for a smile.

Cordelia straightened suddenly. 'You're right! I was made for this! Everyone will be grateful!' She grabbed Azula's wrist, pulling her toward the door. 'Let's hurry to breakfast so I can show those humans who they're dealing with!'

As they swam down the hallway, Cordelia chattered excitedly about her plans, not watching where she was going. Around the corner, a familiar figure appeared—too late to avoid collision. 'Eeek! Oh my Lanta! I'm super sorry!' Cordelia exclaimed, swimming backward. Azula drifted forward, extending a webbed hand. 'Are you alright?'