A/N: So this began with just three short sentences. This story just kind of yearned to be written.
Ozai had ignored his daughter's friends for most of their lives. He had ignored most women since Ursa left. He had been so in love with Ursa, so what happened at Azula's fifteenth birthday party confused him greatly.
The birthday party was horrific. It was too boisterous, too happy, too fun. Firelord Ozai, sat in his throne sulking. He hated teenagers. Ozai was sure he had never been that stupid when he was younger. One girl caught his eye. She was being cornered by several young men. Her hair was a soft brown, very different to the traditional black hair of the firenation. He couldn't see her eyes from here but Ozai wondered if they were gold or some exotic colour.
And so Ozai began his pursuit. And she resisted him. Much like Ursa hadn't . It was an intricate dance. He would find her doing acrobatics while Azula trained. She would be smiling talking to a passing servant. Then she would see him, in the shadows and her smile would fall off her pretty face. He would walk forward. She would bow. He would try to strike a conversation. She would be polite and answer every question. She would begin to brighten. Then he would make a suggestion. She would back away. Murmuring her excuses and flee to Azula.
He kissed her once. The next day she was gone. All she left was a letter.
My Dear Lord, It began. I am truly sorry, love Ty Lee. It ended.
The circus. She had left royalty for the circus. Ozai pretended he didn't care. He pretended the thing pounding in his chest didn't hurt just like it had when Ursa left to protect the boy. Zuko. He always took everything from Ozai. Everything.