Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: the Last Airbender"! Nada thing.
Author's notes: IT'S GOING DOWN! Omgawd I don't know what to do with myself….. Well I did have to put some Ursa and Iroh in. I had to focus solely on Azula and Ty Lee so here they are again :P
And sorry for being abit later than I usually am. I wanted this to be good, so I took the time. Enjoy! We're cooooming to the ennnnnnnd of the riiiiide…
Maraghoul: For helping me form this story to begin with, my thanks.
QueenTyzula: For all the kind nudges and words. A million thanks!
Brittana4lyfe: Thanks for staying for the ride. Stay tuned for the impromptu sequel. So don't worry, there will be more :P
Harley Quinn Davidson: Here's some rubbing it in Zuko's face, for all you Zuko haters :P I personally don't mind him so much….boy did I make you guys hate him?
Iship: Hmmm maybe, it's a good possibility :P
CharlieBarrow: Thanks for the words!
"Stoking the Fire"
Chapter seventy-four "The two families"
Ursa sighed. Her new robes rustled with each movement. Her husband had offered them as another gift for her this morning and they were finely made and extravagant. She should have felt like a queen, but all she felt was guilt.
The guards ahead of her were unlocking a set of iron doors. The claustrophobic stone corridor was dimly lit with torches. Ursa was tense. She could feel flickers of HIS chi somewhere in the building. It was dim and sputtering low, but she recognized Ozai's signature energy anywhere.
A surge of chi coiled behind her and it was a breath of fresh air. Ursa's knees wobbled in relief when Iroh turned the corner, smiling to see her.
"Ursa. A fine morning to you," he said richly, giving a bow. His beard had grown full and bushy again and Ursa found herself missing how he'd trimmed it for her. She blushed despite herself.
"How are you?" she asked softly. Iroh gave a sad smile.
"Alittle better than you. Has your stomach bug gone away?" His flashing eyes indicated he knew more than his words let on.
Their last touches had been along the carriage ride home from Mountainside Manor. It felt naughty, but the journey had been tedious and Ursa was half sick from the guilt of it all. Her self-inflicted illness grew the closer they got to the capital and she felt positively faint as the carriage drew to a stop inside the palace gates.
Iroh had carried her out himself, flagged down by Noren, and had given Ursa to her husband without a word to suggest it should be otherwise. Noren had been so happy to see her, and doted on her, but Ursa had been unfairly distant as she got better.
Ursa nodded, blushing. "As well as I can be….poor Noren. He…suspects something, but has no idea what. What do I do, Iroh? If I tell him, who knows what would happen…"
"Do you dread him leaving you?" Iroh murmured. He had indulged too much on this trip and for a moment, wished he'd kept up his stamina of keeping out of trouble. Now it was getting the woman he loved into trouble.
"Yes. Yes and no." Ursa wrung her hands together. It was that or take Iroh's large hand in her. His golden eyes softened. "I have to tell him. I don't know what to do…"
"Whatever you do, I'll be here. As always," Iroh said. Ursa looked away.
"Maybe I should leave off confronting your brother again until all this is behind us."
"He can't hurt you. And I'd like to look on him." Iroh couldn't bring himself to say he cared. Ozai had grown up far too cruel and far too distant and had robbed him of so many things that were so dear. He loved that he could support Ursa's visits to give him a piece of her mind. He longed to tell off his brother, but in his mind and heart, he'd already said goodbye to the young brother learning to walk clutching the hem of his tunic.
That boy had eroded into a far flung older version of himself that was alien and conflicting to Iroh's own sense of self. He sighed as Ursa signaled to the guards along the corridor that she wanted into Ozai's room. The iron door was unlocked and creaked open as it was pushed heavily open. Inside the large stone room was a lot of empty space separating the door from the iron bars on the other side. Inside the small square of space, sat the cell's occupant.
Ozai's hair was unkempt and hung down his back. His beard had gotten even longer, indicating a lack of razors allowed. Ursa swallowed as the familiar golden eyes widened and then narrowed in her direction. As she neared the bars, the torch on the wall outside the bars flickered off the angry gleam in her ex-husband's eyes.
"Had enough of yelling your tirades at me?" he sneered. Ursa blinked tiredly. She was far less afraid than the very first time she'd come to tell her mind, but still he made her mind and heart weary.
"I'm not yelling today. I've come to extend my pity to you. Your son and wife have a healthy heir that you'll likely never set eyes on. I pity you, Ozai," Ursa spat out.
Ozai shifted his legs and leaned back on one hand. His beard was so long, it fell into his lap, Ursa noticed. She could hear Iroh shifting just outside the door.
"Is my brother out there? Come, let Iroh in. Show yourself, brother," he taunted. Ursa could sense Iroh's mounting anger. When he poked in, she knew it was just to support her. He didn't want to respond to Ozai's taunts.
"Are you done, Ursa?" he asked her gently. Ursa flashed thankful eyes to him and she felt Ozai's interest shift. He glared between the two of him and barked a bitter laugh.
"When did THIS start?" he snarled. Ursa cringed. Iroh surged his chi angrily. It clashed against his brother's far diminished signature.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Ursa tried to keep her tone haughty. But Ozai sniffed a weakness and latched onto it. 'He's always been good at doing that', she lamented silently.
"Tell me, did this start when we were married or after?" Even if Ozai didn't care a thing for her, Ursa knew his pride was still taking a beating. She HAD been his property. One tended to want to hold onto that control of power even if she had married another in the meantime. Ursa lifted her chin.
"We don't have to explain anything to you," she retorted. Iroh glared at his brother, fists clenched. He looked away.
"You destroyed your union with the best thing in your life. That was your doing, Ozai," Iroh growled.
Ozai rose on one knee, beard falling past his lap. He glowered. "You're no brother of mine. How long have you been conspiring to take her? Since the start?"
Iroh raised a hand as if to cut him off. "Think what you want. We were far more honorable than you."
"You and your precious honor," Ozai sneered. "Get out of my sight. 'Brother.'"
"Gladly," Iroh spat. He took Ursa's hand. She cast one more hurt look to the thin man behind the bars.
"Iroh is a better man than you could ever be," she retorted.
Ozai sank back down cross-legged. He crossed his arms. "Tell that to your husband. What's his name? Nan?"
Ursa flushed with guilt. Iroh yanked her with him and the guard closed the iron door and locked it.
"Leave us," Iroh said to the woman. She bowed and stalked down the corridor. Ursa pressed her face to Iroh's solid shoulder. "I'm sorry, Ursa…"
"I meant what I said. You're twice the man he could hope to be," Ursa said. Iroh's eyes gleamed. He kissed the back of her hands gently. She sighed, heart breaking in pieces. "I have to tell Noren what we did….. You'll be blameless. I pushed you, after all…"
"No, place it all on me. I could have tried to stop myself. I could have tried harder," Iroh protested. But the hard gleam in his lady's eyes told him she would cite herself and her heat as the culprits in their affair. He sighed. "Go at your pace, Ursa. I don't want you to be hurt…."
"It's going to happen anyway," Ursa lamented. They left the prison together. Their hands were twined, but the closer they got to the palace, their fingers separated.
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Ty Lee shifted her legs. She was naked except for a pair of panties and Azula was caressing her bare belly. She was into the second trimester and her belly had started jutting out ever so subtly. There was nothing subtle about the tenderness of her round breasts and Ty Lee grimaced as she tried to find purchase on the mattress. Azula murmured against her belly, talking lowly. She ran her hand along Ty Lee's rounder side and kissed beside her navel. She was fully naked, but unshifted. Ty Lee eyed her mate's soft folds and smooth thighs as she moved on the bed. Azula loved to be naked when they were alone, even if they weren't joined. Ty Lee thought it was something Azula must have picked up over the years, or maybe she just wanted to be close to her. Either way, her eyes took in her mate's lithe body, admiring the subtle musculature. She certainly was reaping the benefits.
"I don't think it can hear you yet," Ty Lee giggled. She couldn't help but get over any physical discomfort when Azula cast her eyes up so curiously at her, as if she were still a pup. Azula's golden eyes gleamed.
"It can. It's mine," she boasted. Ty Lee's heart went out to her mate who literally swelled with pride. Her chest puffed out and she ran gentle hands along the baby bump pushing her belly out. "Can't you, little firebender…"
"What if he or she can't bend? Like me?" Ty Lee shifted to ease pressure off her lower back. Azula sat up and took her leg into her lap. She rubbed her thigh muscles gently. Ty Lee leaned back, feeling warmth flush between her legs. She blushed and sighed her approval.
"They'll still be the most beautiful and talented prince or princess on the Fire islands," Azula declared. "Cause you carried them."
Ty Lee blushed. She smiled lovingly at her mate. "Azula…."
"You just lay back. Let me take care of you…." Azula's talented hands coaxed any soreness from her muscles and she moved to the other leg, giving her thigh one last kiss. Ty Lee fidgeted as her panties clung to her core, dampening. Ty Lee wasn't surprised when her mate gently tugged them off and down her legs.
"Azula," she blushed. The Fire princess grinned up at her as she planted her kisses lower down the expanse of her belly, and gently parted her thighs with curled fingers. She didn't penetrate her, not yet, and Ty Lee gasped since she was already wet.
Azula nipped small kisses along her smooth inner thighs, working inward with soft sighs. "I'll take care of everything…"
Ty Lee's breath hitched as Azula finally worked her tongue along her damp folds. When she clasped her lips around her clit and coaxed it from it's hood, her gasps grew higher. Soon she was moaning wantonly, helpless in her mate's grip. Azula's tongue worked more of her juices out eagerly and she brought one hand up to help with opening her mate. Ty Lee wriggled in her mate's solid grip, round breasts jiggling, thighs held open.
Azula listened to her mate's hitching gasps, and grinned to herself. She kept lapping at her mate, and latched onto her clit as she pumped two fingers steadily inside her. Ty Lee's warmth was clinging to her digits, drawing them in. She cried out when Azula added a third finger.
"Zula!" Ty Lee warned. Azula gave her thigh a possessive nip and ran her tongue around her clit.
"Come for me," she purred. Ty Lee did just that and Azula stayed buried in her, lavishing her clit with flicks of her tongue as she came, thighs tensed. Through her throes of ecstasy, trapped on her back, her leg spasmed and Ty Lee gasped with genuine pain as a thigh muscle cramped up.
"Ow ow ow ow!" Ty Lee gasped. She clutched the back of Azula's head, signaling with her chi. Azula found the cramp and massaged it hard with one hand, feeling the spasm beneath smooth skin, as hard as a small rock. She massaged it until the hard nub softened. Ty Lee fell back, gasping.
"Thanks, love," she crooned weakly. When Azula crawled up beside her body to nuzzle her, her chin damp with her juices, Ty Lee noticed her orgasm had made her mate hard. Her cock had formed and jutted out against her hip in search of attention. Azula's chi was perked, but it wasn't jagged. As she kissed her mate softly, her chi twined softly with hers.
"You don't have to. I'll take care of it," Azula murmured against her mouth when Ty Lee's chi twined round hers in a question.
Ty Lee sighed, her body warm and languid from her release. She leaned on one elbow and urged her mate back against the pillows.
"You know you won't let up 'til you get off….just let me," Ty Lee murmured. Azula protested. She knew her mate could fatigue quite easily these days, but when Ty Lee's mouth descended along her shaft, sucking her head into wet warmth, she gasped.
"Ty…." Azula wound her fingers gently along the back of Ty Lee's head, not quite pushing, but encouraging. Her mate looked up with big mischievous eyes. She clasped Azula's shaft firmly by the base and brought her lips up and down slowly. She gave a hum of pleasure, and Azula could feel the vibrations along her cock. She shivered, shaft stiffening further. Her little minx had her where she wanted her and all she could do was gasp through the pleasure, abdominal muscles tightening.
Azula's hands fisted the sheets as she uttered harsh gasps. Ty Lee worked her faster and faster and smiled evilly up at her mate as her head tipped back with pleasure. When she cried out, and released, Ty Lee kept her mouth where it was and got a good long taste. Azula slumped back against the pillows, breasts heaving.
"You keep that up, I'm going to want more," Azula warned, eyes gleaming. Her shaft jumped as Ty Lee lapped the vestiges of her release up with long swipes of her warm tongue. "Ah!"
"I don't think you'll ever have a problem. Keeping it up that is." Ty Lee went for coy and yelped with pleasure when Azula pressed her down and climbed between her spreading thighs. "Zula!"
"You asked for it," Azula purred. But her eyes gleamed with deep emotion as she gently worked the head of her shaft against Ty Lee's damp cave, slowly entering her. Azula braced her weight on one arm and off her mate's belly. She bit her lip. "Yes…."
"Oh, Zula…." Ty Lee's hand affectionately ran through her bangs, and cupped her cheek. She leaned up to kiss her princess's bare shoulder. Her teeth nipped her hard as she was stretched open.
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A few short weeks later, Ty Lee broached the subject of Mai's letter. They had put it off for months, not even a letter in response, and even though Azula didn't care about a royal pardon, they really were skirting insubordination by not even crafting a response. Even to say "later." When Ty Lee brought it up, Azula and she wrote the letter together and signed at the bottom. They left the parchment out for the ink to dry.
"So, you're answering the Fire Lady after all," Zirin muttered. Ty Lee nodded. The Kemurikage was Azula's faithful servant and if she left for more than a few hours, the sight would be an odd one. Ty Lee had grown used to her, and Zirin DID help watch the house. Almost as much as Azula did. Sometimes, Ty Lee would wake in the middle of the night to hear one or both walk patrols around the house on the beach. Ty Lee would flare her chi and if Azula was out, she would be sliding into bed with her a few moments later. And her hand would rest on her swelling belly, seeking to protect the child within her. Ty Lee loved twining with her mate in the wee hours of the night, feeling her warm flesh against hers, hear her soft whispers to the child, and her clipped tone responding to Ty Lee's questions or remarks. Her soft hums of pleasure as Ty Lee kissed her, her soft breathing when she slept…..
Azula was being far more patient than Ty Lee thought she could ever be. She could feel each wave of love from her each time her golden eyes alighted on her belly, feel it in each touch. And Azula knew she was tired. If Ty Lee curled her chi round hers to provoke an intimate embrace, Azula went slowly. The intensity they made love with brought tears to Ty Lee's eyes.
But now…the letter said they would be coming. Azula called Kumiko in to give her plans to Lo and Li and have them set up the ship arrangements. Kumiko bowed lowly, and left for the twin advisor's home. Ty Lee pressed a hand to her belly as she walked to the kitchen, looking for dumplings.
"So, this is really happening…."
Azula prowled after her, finding the snack she was looking for. She set several of Kumiko's dumplings on a plate and pushed it toward her mate. "Zuzu will know I don't falter, ever. And Mai DID invite us," she said in a taunting manner. Ty Lee raised her eyebrow at the princess. Azula leaned to kiss her cheek. "Oh, calm down, Ty, I'm not going for a fight. But I won't tolerate any of his shit."
"You're receiving your inheritance. Or a chunk of it." Ty Lee reached for a napkin and wiped her mouth. "We need it."
Azula's eyes gleamed as she took in her mate's belly again. Ty Lee knew Azula would never get tired of it. "Our pup will have the finest things. You too, mate."
"Mate," Ty Lee teased. "I am at that, love."
Lo and Li came back with Kumiko. Ty Lee noted they seemed to lower some of Azula's tenseness. Maybe it was the years of fawning and flattery, but Azula was in her comfort zone around the elderly advisors.
"We should come with you, Princess Azula." Lo began.
"To help show Lord Zuko the good news," Li added.
Azula shrugged. "Sure. You're unbanished."
The twins shared a confused look as Ty Lee laughed. Zirin raised an eyebrow. "I'm willing to bet there's a story there."
"It is all past," the twins said as one unit. Ty Lee shivered. Azula put an arm round her waist.
"We'll leave within the week. I hope Zuzu gets our royal chambers prepared in time or it's his ass," Azula grinned with a touch of her old smirk.
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The time was spent half packing and lolling about. As her pregnancy advanced, Ty Lee was shocked how exhausted she was. Almost as much as with Izumi. But she had been far more emotionally high-strung carrying her first child, in every way.
Now she had Izumi's sire with her, caring for the new child they'd created. It was humbling to think she'd gotten what she'd worked so hard to obtain. Four days later, Azula locked the front door of their home and pocketed the brass key. She cut quite the figure in her red tunic, trousers and knee-high boots. Her topknot was perfect, and her customary bangs hung past her jaw, framing her face. Zirin waited, carrying a few of their bags. She tossed one suitcase to Azula who caught it easily. Azula slung the bag over one shoulder, putting her free arm around her mate's shoulders. Ty Lee was dressed in elaborate robes, braid over one shoulder. Her lips were painted red and perked up when her mate kissed her cheek.
"To the docks, children; come," Lo and Li said. They were waiting on the beach, large traveling hats over their heads. Zirin grunted and made to follow the squat pair. Azula made her gait slow for her mate, but Ty Lee kept easy pace, even with her belly pushing out.
Lo and Li hailed two rickshaws working a few streets over. The trip to the docks was spent listening to the twin's call out helpful advice across the way. Azula nodded, pretending to listen. Her eyes flicked to the populations they passed in the town's market square. Several betas and omegas bowed when they noticed her, and Ty Lee set her chin to Azula's shoulder. Azula paid it no mind. She had grown up in the public's eye after all.
The royal couple had their own cabin on board the ship, and Zirin grunted when she found she'd be sharing a room with the twins. She shrugged, but Ty Lee noted the look of irritation on the gaunt woman's face.
Azula opened a suitcase and took out a few of Ty Lee's garments, laying them across the back of a chair. "Do you want to rest, love?" she asked.
Ty Lee loved it when Azula's guard dropped and she called her by random endearments. She had never done so during the Earth Kingdom campaign, even if Ty Lee had caught her staring at her when she thought she wasn't noticed. Now, well, with marking each other and a baby on the way, it was to be expected. But Ty Lee still cherished the small words that spoke her mate's heart.
"I'm fine, Zula. Can we check out the dining hall? I'm peckish," Ty Lee admitted. Azula nodded, eyes shining.
"Let's get you both fed."
The dining hall held a few nobles talking and nibbling at sample platters. Azula flagged down a servant and ordered a fresh tray of meats and sides for the both of them. Their cozy table was approached by Zirin, who stalked forward, shoulders slouched.
"For the love of Agni, let me sit with you," she pleaded to Azula. "Your old advisors are driving me crazy."
Azula barked a snip of laughter. "Sure, go on." She served her mate a plate piled high with short ribs, noodles and other savory delights. Ty Lee set to, trying to eat slowly, but her belly roiled, and she found herself hurrying to down sustenance for the life within her. Azula nibbled on a rib, raising an eyebrow. She could feel her mate's chi grow content as she ate and filled herself.
Ty Lee smiled as Azula angled her chair closer and patted her belly with one hand.
"Far be it for me to interrupt," Zirin sniped. Ty Lee rested her chin on one hand, giving her a content smile.
"You'll always have a place at our table. Trust me," Ty Lee said. Zirin regarded her with hooded eyes. She swallowed, suddenly nervous.
"Uhmh. Yeah," she said unhelpfully. Azula smirked. Ty Lee's chi shimmered with the glow of her pregnancy and many found themselves stammering around her now. It would be like Zirin to catch an interest, beta or not. Azula knew where Ty Lee's loyalty lay, with her. In her bed and in her arms.
She didn't have to doubt that….right? Suddenly, the impact of where they were going hit and it hit hard. The capital, where Fire Lord Zuko reigned, not her. Zuko, who had claimed her omega, and taken their child…HER child!
Azula scowled to herself and forced herself to give a wan smile when Ty Lee asked a question. She brooded to herself.
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Zuko slid out of bed. He left Mai sleeping and made his way to the adjoining nursery. One of the wet nurses made to get up, waking as he padded to the crib, but Zuko waved her away.
"I'll call you if she's hungry," he said softly. They'd been trying to wean Izumi, since she was over a year old. The going was slow as they introduced mushy foods. But his mind wasn't on that as his child woke slowly. Her golden eyes widened when she noticed her father. Izumi grinned, gums showing as she babbled up at him. Zuko picked her up and kissed the top of her black downy head. He carried her out to the sitting room.
"Da," Izumi was babbling and Zuko's heart surged with love. It had been Izumi's first word, and she had yet to try 'ma.' Suddenly, fear of what his sister would do surged through him and Zuko gently hugged the baby to his chest.
They'd received the letter by messenger hawk two days ago. Azula and Ty Lee were on their way. For official business and to answer Mai's summons. Zuko knew Mai expected him to grant amnesty, but he was loath to consider it. The child in his arms, wriggling happily and grinning trustingly up at him was a main reason why. If he didn't try to keep Azula away, what would she do? Did she even know? Suddenly, with the knowledge that they were more than likely mated, Zuko knew the last nail was in the coffin of his daughter's true paternity. Bad enough more than a handful of people knew, but they could all be trusted.
Zuko knew Ty Lee wouldn't be able to keep secrets from her mate and his belly roiled with fear and hurt. Azula was coming, looming as tall as the scary tales she had weaved when they were children. But it was far worse this time. She could ruin his family. She had already taken Ty Lee's loyalty and love. Now his daughter could be at risk. It would be known Fire Lord Zuko had no heir. That alone could ruin him. But what if Azula tried to take Izumi? And, really, what kind of parent would Azula be? Bad enough Ty Lee had staked her claim on her, but Zuko feared her presence alone wouldn't temper Azula's outbursts.
When Mai came out to the sitting room, hair disheveled and yawning, she found Zuko silently crying as he cradled Izumi on his bare chest. The baby had her head raised, staring up at her erstwhile father with all the confusion a child could have in the face of naked grief. She patted her pudgy hands along Zuko's clean-shaven cheeks, babbling softly. Mai's heart went out to her husband. She curled up at his side and wiped his eyes with the sleeve of her bed robe.
"It's just a visit. They'll be gone before you know it," Mai said, knowing at once the cause of Zuko's fear and ire. Zuko frowned sadly at her. He bounced Izumi lightly.
"But…what if she knows? Izumi…." Zuko fretted. Mai leaned to press her lips to his. She leaned down and pecked the top of her daughter's head. Izumi giggled.
"She stays with us. Don't worry, Zuko. I won't let anything happen to our daughter. Ty Lee won't either," Mai said. She hoped she could keep her word. Zuko's chi was ragged with worry and their daughter started to frown, feeling it. Zuko drew it back and tried to soothe the baby, and she brightened.
If only it were that easy for the adults.
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The next few days were spent in preparation. The palace's servants and soldiers were on edge, carrying out the Fire Lord and Lady's commands. Guest rooms had been scrubbed down and the beds remade for Azula's party. Zuko worried how long she would stay to begin with, but at least he could show his power as Fire Lord. All luxuries, of course, would be extended.
The day of their approach dawned clear and bright, but Zuko hadn't gotten any sleep. Neither had Mai. They had kept Izumi in bed with them, and watched her breathing deeply in her sleep, their eyes locking as naked worry stretched between them. As the servants entered in the morning to bring in breakfast and help with dressing commands, Zuko got up, feeling his limbs move as slowly as if he were lodged in quickening sand. He felt like he was living a waking nightmare and his slow lethargic movements only accentuated the horror of how today might go.
Even when Mai snapped at him to get dressed, and helped him with his trousers and fine tunic, snapping at him to hurry, Zuko could hear the threads of her anger rub thin. She was putting on a show of strength for him and while her words did make him move it, he longed to soothe her own fear.
Zuko clasped an arm tightly round his mate's waist and pressed his chin atop her shoulder. "I'll help you through this. Please….stay with me today," he begged.
Mai's arms wound round his neck. She shuddered. "I'm not going anywhere," she declared. "And neither is the sweet princess. Let me put on my face."
Her maid was waiting to help with her eyeliner and Zuko waited, letting a man servant take careful swipes at stray wisps of hair on his chin with his straight razor. The man rubbed his jaw briskly with a warm wet rag and let him dry off. After their hair was put up, Zuko held his arms out. The wet nurses had fed Izumi bits of banana and mashed papaya and dressed the princess in her child's robes. They all did look the image of the royal family and even as the fine clothes connected them as a unit, Zuko couldn't stop the roiling dread from buffeting his frame.
Mai carried Izumi, and Zuko gently took her elbow as they made their way to the courtyard. Pages were attending to various chicken-horses of nobles that had already passed in, and carriages were wheeled away. Suki strode forward to greet the royal couple, a tense smile on her painted lips.
"We should have sent for Avatar Aang sooner," she confessed in a whisper. Mai gave a wry smile.
"We asked him and his friends to come. Azula beat them to the punch," she said. Her words were light, but a feeling of dread descended on the three adults. The line of Kyoshi Warriors behind Suki could feel it, and subtly wafted out auras of strength.
A few carriages entered the palace courtyard and Zuko knew which one was which by the pinging aura wafting out. Azula. She was here. The subtler aura of Ty Lee was beside her as well as a few other chi signatures, but Zuko locked eyes on the carriage, waiting for servants to help the inhabitants out.
Azula almost hopped down, confidence oozing from each pore. Gone was the hissing prisoner, blinking tears away as he taunted her in the dungeon after her capture. The object of his taunting was on her arm, finely dressed and…..Zuko blinked and blinked again. Despite himself, tears filled the corners of his eyes and he used every ounce of will not to let them form.
Azula doted on the omega hanging on her arm and it was clear as day to see why. Ty Lee was pregnant, belly distending through the second trimester. Her robes kept her figure from being on full display but those that knew her would be able to tell. Mai cleared her throat beside him.
Zuko straightened his spine, holding onto Izumi's pudgy hand as the child begged her mother to be set on her feet. The toddler kept her balance, each tiny hand held by a parent on either side of her.
Azula clutched her omega's arm and she and Ty Lee walked closer. They remained a few feet across from the royal family and the slow moments of silence was enough to destroy them. Azula's anger flared when Zuko caught her eyes and she watched him, eyes unblinking as she seethed in silent rage. Ty Lee's fingers on her arm calmed her and Zuko was dismayed how easily she had slowed Azula's ire.
Mai and Azula locked eyes a moment and Mai subtly shifted her eyes to Ty Lee. They smiled at each other, even if Ty Lee clung to Azula's arm alittle too hard. Azula was hers now, and that heat had better be forgotten by all. The baby shifted, bored, between Zuko and Mai, and Mai smiled apologetically as she tried to toddle off to explore, tugging at their hands.
"Izumi, wait a moment? Don't you want to see your mother?" Mai knelt down and got her baby's attention. Izumi grinned at her, and Ty Lee's heart melted. Of course, Izumi knew Mai as her mother. Mai gently steered the toddler toward her and pressed a gentle hand on her back to move forward.
"Your mother," she repeated. Izumi stared back at her, confused, but toddled the rest of the way. The couple in front of her did seem interesting, even the crying round lady who fell to her knees, holding out her arms. Izumi dutifully went into her arms, giving a squeeze of a hug, surprised at the crying in her ears. Zuko tensed, and Mai held him back with her own hand on his elbow.
Azula stood back, patiently watching her mate bond with her first child. THEIR child….. She blinked, and with the knowledge of the princess's true paternity, could see more of herself across the pudgy cute face than her brother's features. She still didn't know what to feel about Izumi, but seeing how happy and sad her mate was, told Azula to be good to her feelings. Ty Lee needed this. And she would give it to her.
NOT Zuko. Azula flashed her eyes up, and she gave a prideful smirk to her brother. Zuko, even in the finery of the Fire Lord, looked like he'd been punched in the gut. His pale features blanched. He tried to steel his chi, but she could tell he was afraid.
As well he should be.
"Come, aren't we allowed in? We've been traveling a long time and my mate is tired," Azula said. All fine words, and the truth. But she was pleased to see her brother wincing at the subtle jabs.
"Of course. Show Princess Azula and her family to their chambers," Zuko said to a servant. The woman bowed and gestured to Azula and Ty Lee.
"This way."
Ty Lee let Izumi go gently, with a few kisses pressed along her hair. Izumi grinned up at her, and toddled back to Mai. She clutched the Fire Lady's hands, babbling happily. Zuko knelt down and swung the toddler up into his arms. Ty Lee locked eyes with him a moment and through her tears, gave him a nod of thanks. Zuko smiled at her.
Azula flared her chi and took her mate by the arm. As they left for privacy, Zuko felt his knees turn to water. He hurriedly handed the baby to his wife and collapsed on a stone bench in the courtyard.
"Zuko! Are you okay?" Mai demanded. She rushed over, sitting herself on the bench, Izumi on her lap.
Zuko stared down at his long legs, feeling the water surge through his muscles, keeping him vulnerable and weak. "I don't know….but we survived that little bit."
"Just wait for dinner," Mai reminded him. Zuko gave a strangled groan. Izumi huffed, trying to mimic him.
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"Can I ask you to behave yourself now?" Ty Lee asked. She sat on the edge of the wide bed of their guest chambers. Azula was about to snipe off a snappy comeback to her mate, when her eyes cast down. Ty Lee's hand was small on top of the swell of her belly.
Heat rushed between Azula's legs, and she forced her chi back to keep the blood tingling through her clit from stiffening and lengthening. Now wasn't the time for that. But still… Azula prowled closer and fell to her knees before her mate. She leaned to plant a kiss against her belly and when she looked up, Azula was pleased to see softness in Ty Lee's eyes.
"Was it good? Seeing the baby?" Azula asked her gruffly. Ty Lee nodded. Tears were in her eyes.
"I haven't seen her in months…. And she's walking….. it's so much," Ty Lee admitted. Azula knelt up and raised her lips to her mate's. She kissed her gently, urging her passions to simmer back. The urge to claim her mate with Zuko nearby surged through her being but she had to calm herself…. Ty Lee was tired. But maybe a taste of what they could do?
"She is beautiful," Azula admitted. She gently cupped one of Ty Lee's breasts through her robes and the sharp gasp that met her ears was worth it. "Like her mother…. "
"Stop it," Ty Lee said but her words had no conviction. Azula gently unfastened her obi and loosened her robe. Her lips pressed urgently along Ty Lee's upturned throat. When she got to her shoulder, Azula made sure to nip the corner of her mating mark, not really so accessible but from one high point from the front, abit hard. Ty Lee melted in her hands. "Azula…."
Her word on her mate's lips had a pleading tone now. Azula couldn't help smiling as her ego throbbed. It wasn't the only thing throbbing as her shift slowly extended, pushing against the lap of her trousers. When Ty Lee rubbed against the seam of her pants, Azula gave a strangled moan. Her seduction was being brought to nothing as her mate threatened to have her throbbing to a fast release. She felt and tasted so GOOD.
"Dammit, Ty!" Azula cursed, but her eyes were gleaming with satisfaction as her mate unlaced her and reached in. She sighed, pushing her hips forward as clever fingers found her length and began to pump. "Always so ready for me…"
"I can't help it. You need it too," Ty Lee gave a coy grin. Azula clasped her chin and kissed her longingly.
"Just enough to take the edge off….. is this fine?" Azula carefully positioned her pregnant mate. Ty Lee smiled, arm above her head, round breasts bobbing. She was on her back, shifted toward her side, one leg brought up against Azula's shoulder. Her mate rubbed at her opening non-subtly, the head of her cock weeping fluid against her. "Tell me to stop if it isn't."
Ty Lee's heart went out to her mate. She gasped as her cave grew wet, and Azula's rubbing brought trails of her own juices along her inner thighs. Ty Lee shrugged the rest of her robes off.
"This is more than fine. If you want me this way." There was a note of a question in Ty Lee's words. Azula leaned low to press her kisses along her breasts, pausing to lick and nip at her nipples between each pass. Her hand was between them, rubbing her belly.
"I ALWAYS want you," Azula growled. Her golden eyes gleamed as she knelt straight up, holding Ty Lee's leg high along her shoulder. She firmly began to push in, sighing at the familiar clinging heat. Ty Lee burned around her, as she lay gasping on her back. "Always…. I swear it….just you…"
Azula's adoring words made Ty Lee's heart soar. Her brown eyes gleamed as she writhed beneath her mate's careful thrusts. They rocked against each other, as urgent as the crashing of the ocean's waves. As Azula clasped her leg, her own thigh muscles quaking, her thunderous breathing filled her ears. She hitched in eager breaths as she coiled her chi round her mate's. She checked for signs of any discomfort and would have separated but Ty Lee held onto her knee from where she lay.
"A moment more," she pleaded. Azula gave a smirk, giving her hips a subtle thrust forward.
"As if you can't get enough of my seed," she boasted. Ty Lee purred up at her.
"Princess, they're asking for us….for Agni's sake!" a hoarse cry sounded from the doorway. Ty Lee flicked her eyes, noting Zirin's stare before she covered her eyes and turned to face the wall. "Don't you two ever get enough?!"
Ty Lee covered her face with her wrist, abit embarrassed. She was fully naked and on display. Azula was far more covered, her tunic unfastened but still on and her trousers pushed to mid-thigh. As she shifted inside her, Ty Lee could feel the rasp of the fabric against her.
"I always give her what she wants," Azula bragged. She kissed the side of Ty Lee's leg affectionately. "If you wanted to watch, you could have just asked…." She laughed when Ty Lee reached up to swat at her.
"Don't mind her, she just needed to calm down….." Ty Lee said. Azula gave a grunt in response. She kept her softened cock inside her mate, enjoying the sensation of being deep within her before they had to clean up and go be annoyed by royal protocols.
Plus, her brother would be there. And possibly Mother and Iroh….. Well, Ty Lee was right. She DID need this to calm down. Now she could face them all.
End for now
End notes: Story's getting there. Any suggestions for what you guys want to see before we wrap up? Stay strong, lovelies. And as always, drop a few words and smash that review button for me.
Most sincerely, pen
1/13/2018