Ty Lee led Katara away from the lavish birthday party to a quiet balcony where they could talk alone. One word sent a chill down her spine as she followed the bubbly acrobat, excitement. Katara could not deny that hers and Aang's marriage had become increasingly mundane as winters passed by. Her obligations as a mother and Water Tribe councilmember often kept her busy, not to mention Aang's everlasting towers of paperwork which likewise did the same for him.

She was no fool, and had noticed how relaxed Aang had become when the fire princess elicited her services to organize his life. She had actually been grateful to say the least. Never had she thought the two would transcend into a budding relationship, which surprisingly did not anger her as much as it should have. The thought of having someone else fulfill her wifely duties every now and then, though strange, felt rather liberating. Unknowingly, Azula's talents had assisted the wife of the avatar as well.

"Ok," came Ty Lee's voice, interrupting her thoughts, "What would you like to know?"

Katara mulled over the question as she watched the acrobat curl into a twisted position on the floor of the balcony. Ty Lee was obviously open to telling all she knew about the fire princess to her nemesis and Katara felt that it was a genuine gesture. One could never be sure about the people of the fire nation. Their loyalty was unyielding in most cases, but Katara briefly remembered that the acrobat had made the decision to stand up against her leader at least once before. Not to mention that Suki often sang the girl's praises.

"She's not bad, actually. And she's smarter than she seems". The warrior had commented when questioned about Ty Lee's recruitment in the Kyoshi Warriors.

Katara decided to trust her instincts, they hadn't let her down as of yet.

"Does Azula favor women?" She asked softly, not daring to look the acrobat in the eyes as she spoke.

It was embarrassing in the water tribes to discuss anyone's sexual preferences and those who were engaged in a non-traditional relationship were very subtle about it in public. This was true for most of the other nations as well. Though, in the fire nation, women had slightly more liberties.

As usual, Ty Lee giggled happily. Making Katara blush a deep crimson. This was a mistake. She knew better than to have this type of conversation with anyone, but she was intrigued.

"Nevermind, I..."

Ty Lee caught her shoulder, making Katara nearly yelp at the memory of her chi blocking abilities.

"Calm down, Katara. It is just us," assured the acrobat. "If you just wanted to know that, we wouldn't be out here. What is it? Did Azula try something with you?" The look in her eyes when Katara turned to meet them was curious, yet foreboding. Katara felt shaken.

If there was truth to the rumor of a past relationship between the two, would Ty Lee be so forthcoming? Could she trust the acrobat with the truth of Azula's fraudulent marriage or the true parentage of the new prince?

"Do you have feelings for her Ty Lee?" She finally asked, instead.

The soft, subtle downturn of the acrobat's smile gave her all the answer she needed, despite Ty Lee's words.

"I...It doesn't matter anymore," she said simply. "Though, if you're asking, yes we were together somewhat during the war. As I'm sure you know, Azula barely speaks to me now".

Katara was dismayed. What kind of sorcery did Azula have to make those around her fall for her at a moment's notice? Aang was obviously enthralled along with Azula's general husband, but to know that the acrobat still pined for the princess as well increased Katara's intrigue. She wondered whom it was that the princess pined for, if anyone.

"Are you two still..." Katara's voice trailed, surely Ty Lee would not answer that question.

To her surprise there was a soft no in response.

"Not anymore. She told me, herself, that she was interested in someone else," with a chuckle she added, "I doubt it is that general though".

Katara felt relief though her heart felt for the acrobat.

"Anyway," continued Ty Lee. "If you are wondering, Azula likes to be dominated. She would never tell you outright, but she does. Flirting is key with her. But I know that you're married, so I suggest being discreet".

Katara nodded slowly, surprised the noblewoman still revealed this information with her own feelings still in the mix. It was obvious that she had given up on trying to win the fire princess back.

"Oh and by the way, Azula does not know how to flirt".

Holding her son was the best thing in the world. It was better than bending or even sex. Listening to his coos and soft cries made Azula love him more. She imagined him as a great airbender, manipulating the winds with a single flick of his wrist. Besting even his father with his prowess. The thought brought a smile to her face that her husband mistakened was for him.

"Would you like to retire from all of this?" Asked the general moving his eyebrows up and down to hint his meaning.

Azula wanted to burn the man good, but that would be ridiculous in front of her people, her mother and the fire lord. Even Uncle Fuddy Duddy was amongst the partiers, his belly ever larger. He was obviously indulging too much in his own recipes at that little teashop of his in the earth kingdom. Azula made a note to send him one of her girdles as a brithday present. She never forgot the insult of the doll that he had sent while away, failing his 600 day seige during his prime as Crowned Prince and former general.

A new friend. She planned to write on the note with the present.

"No," she told her husband, shying away with grace when he had the gall to snake his arm about her waist. "I have not addressed my dear uncle as of yet. Why don't you retire and wait for me in one of the servant quarters. I shall be there shortly," she lied, knowing full well that she intended on falling alone in her own bed and blaming too much alcohol consumption for leaving her husband with heavy, unattended loins of blue.

The thought of him thrusting in her gave the princess headaches. He was awful and lazy in bed, unlike the avatar or her former lover, whom shall not be named. At which, on cue, she noticed the acrobat returning to the party with...GASP!

Azula's head nearly spun from her neck when she saw Aang's wife and the acrobat laughing as they came from the secluded area of the balcony. The very same balcony she and Ty...her ex-friend would use to escape for...for...

What in Agni's hell? She thought. Was this the water peasant's revenge?

She had noted that Katara did not try to freeze her in cold ice when the three of them were alone. There was absolutely no ire evident in the waterbender's face, voice or movements.

She has to know the truth. Thought Azula.

There was no way the wife couldn't know that Zaheer was Aang's.

So why isn't she angry?

Azula had not intended to sleep with avatar when the fire lord requested that she help him fix his work life. It was intended for show. The fire nation was just paying its debts. To say that she was initially embarrased is an understatement. She was sleeping with another woman's husband and even had a child! Her, the conqueror of kingdoms, the prodigal firebender.

The Mad Princess. She reminded herself of whom she really was. The Nutcase, as Fire Lady Mai had so eloquently called her. The Avatar's Whore.

Embarrassment led to her quickly marrying her a man she could not bear to touch. She wanted the avatar, but knew better than to try. Her brother's kingdom, by extension her niece and son's kingdom, was at stake if she had not thought of the quick solution.

There had been no advisors to the princess during this time. No one would understand the decision. Her own mother had avoided her as if she did not exist until the birth of her grandson. Now, the two only spoke when necessary in regards to the new prince. Her sister, Kiyi, was a pain in the ass at best. At 10 years old, the girl had shown some firebending prowess and wanted Azula to train her, but she would slice her own throat before training her replacement to replace her.

Azula cleared her throat when the acrobat's eyes met her own and she realized that she had been staring. Her husband had left her side, following her suggestion that he retire and wait for her and she stood in the middle of the ballroom, feeling as though she had been pinned with a giant emblem in the shape of an F for failure.

"Are you awaiting another dance?" Azula knew the voice and was unsurprised when a tattooed hand touched her shoulder.

She dared to not kiss it. There were undoubtedly eyes on her. Mainly her uncle and brother from their designated seats.

"It would seem the whiskey is toying with me at present". She commented with a warning in her voice. "It would be best to leave well enough alone. Your wife seems to have wondering eyes also".

Of course, the avatar took the liberty to aim his gaze towards Azula's nemesis and ex. Thankfully, neither woman noticed him as they exchanged a friendly enough hug and parted ways.

Hmm... Azula mused.

The avatar completely missed the hint, but Azula noticed Ty Lee's wondering hand softly touch Katara's lower spine as she leaned in to whisper something. She assumed that the pair was discussing her. Curiosity was getting the better of the princess, but instead of a direct confrontation, Azula kept a low profile as she moved gracefully away from her son's true father and continued on her mission to talk to Uncle Fuddy Duddy who was now frowning upon her beautiful son.

A tattooed hand kept her from confronting the elderly nitwit, however, and hot breath tickled her neck in the right place, making her nearly shudder.

"I want to see you later," said the baritone voice.

Azula was intrigued by it's low rumble and hint of promise. Aang was not one to disappoint, but a lady always had class, so she politely wrenched herself free, placing safe distance between them before responding.

"You've caused enough trouble. Perhaps you should concern yourself with your lovely wife?" With that she jerked her head towards where she had last seen her ex friend with the waterbender.

The man did not even bother to look in that direction only returning lustful, though disappointed gazes upon her.

I'll regret this later. She knew, but left him, hot and bothered and continued on her way. As if on cue, Uncle Fuddy Duddy approached her as she ascended the steps towards the designated royal family's table.

"Congratulations, Azula," were the surprising first words he spoke. "Agni has smiled on you. Your son is healthy and strong". With this he extended his arm to assist her last step.

Azula nodded, unable to stop the smile that formed at the corners of her lips. She was never sure what to expect from the general. Even in times of peace, with the old war behind them, the relatives held little like for the other, a fact that neither of them wished to rectify.

"A prince amongst princes," she responded, taking the offered hand. At her brother's eye-roll she added, "It was fitting that the fire lord bestowed his name". As planned, Zuko beamed at this.

No matter the old wounds they shared, the fire lord was her brother and the pride he held for his nephew was touching.

"The resemblance is uncanny," came the monotoned voice Azula had grown to hate. "He has Iroh's features". The comment made Azula nearly miss her seat. Naturally, Mai would say something to piss her off. Azula shot her a knowing look, at which the fire lady took a sip of her wine, a smirk playing on her lips. Obviously, she had questions and Azula knew just the answers to give her when they inevitably spoke alone.

Iroh let out a bellow at the comment, along with the fire lord, who gave a light chuckle and shake of his head. Azula said nothing, taking a seat by her old friend's side.

Katara was intrigued by the dynamics of the royal family. Watching them from her place in the audience. They definitely knew how to put on a show and save face. The new child's parentage was undoubtedly in question behind closed doors. Zuko and Azula seemed obsessed with royal bloodlines and such that it would be insane for the conversation not be brought up at some point.

Her talk with Ty Lee mixed with the fire nation's strongest wine, made her bold enough to decide on a point of action. She needed to get Azula alone, somehow. Looking about for a means, she decided to take a chance at just approaching the royals.

What's the worst that could happen? She thought, passing the royal guards easily on her way towards the royal table. None of them paid her attention, surprisingly. Even years after the war's end, Katara felt apprehensive about fire nation soldiers. Perhaps the feelings will never really leave her.

"Hey, Katara!" Kiyi immediately called from her place, snapping her focus back to the present. "It's so boring! Wanna go to the training grounds and spar? Promise I'll be better than Azula!"

The comment made Katara cringe, but needless to say it was just right to force her husband's mistress to send blazing eyes her way. Katara knew the last agni khai between the princess and the fire lord for the throne was still a sore point for Azula.

Although she had seemingly recovered better than ever, Fire Lord Zuko had mentioned in private that his sister remained distant and refused even requests for friendly spars with him since that fateful day. The siblings would probably never be the same again despite the peaceful times and mutual agreements that Ozai was right where he belonged.

Katara gave a sheepish smile in attempt to appeal to Azula's better side, if there was one.

"With all due respect, Kiyi. I highly doubt anyone could match the princess," she said, sweetly, adding some seduction in her tone in hopes that Azula would notice.

Judging by the raised, surprised eyebrows, it worked. Azula blinked twice and Katara braced herself for an onslaught of insults. Instead, the princess turned her attention back to the crowd below them.

Damnit! Thought Katara.

"Oh well, maybe next time," Kiyi answered matter-of-factly.

Katara gave a simple nod and half-turned to leave when Azula piped.

"Perhaps a rematch is overdue".

"A private one I hope," Katara heard herself answer, over her shoulder, before thinking. In an attempt to keep the moment, she added, "Of course, if you think you're the better woman". With that she felt her feet lightly whisk away.

Instead of returning to the dance floor, Katara hurried out of sight towards an open balcony down the hall from the party room. She barely made it to the edge when she felt sharp nails grasp her shoulder firmly. Using the princess's grip as an opening, Katara turned and met the woman nose to nose, not wasting any time before landing a kiss on her ruby painted lips. Katara felt Azula stiffen, a muffled gasp escaping their lips before a longer, needy moan followed.

Katara took the lead, wrapping her arms about the woman's waist, pulling her closer. Wasting as little time as possible, Katara pushed Azula to the balcony's edge, one hand moving from her shoulder, fingers hurriedly gripping her dress and moving beneath it. She felt Azula pulling away, yet she was not done. with a smooth hiss, she stopped the woman mid-way when her fingers reached the heat below the princess's glamorous dress. Silky smooth undergarments met the pads of Katara's fingertips as she slide them slightly the side.

Immediately Katara felt sharp nails bury into her spine. She never imagined those nails would turn her on this way. Katara felt bolder as hot breath moved from her lips to her neck in tandem with her fingers' quick search and seizure of the engorged spot that the women shared.

"Wha--Don't".

Katara began to pause, she did not want to violate Azula or force her into this, but the princess responded with a squeeze of her legs. The women locked eyes for an instant. Azula's golden orbs were glassy, lust-filled and surprisingly soft. The moment lasted briefly before they were smashed against one another again, Azula hoisting her calf around Katara's hip. She breathed in sharply into Katara's neck, panting through as the waterbender continued slow steady movements, increasing in speed as she felt the princess's grips and shakes.

"Don't stop," gasped Azula. "Don't..."

Katara smiled in silent victory. Basking in the princess's quiet squeals. Ty Lee had been right. Azula practically melted in her palm. Katara worried they would be caught before they finished. The princess did not seem to worry about the higher her voice was getting as she rocked back and forth.

Katara made an executive decision to speed up the process, sliding three fingers into Azula's hot center. The woman nearly choked and before she could yell out, Katara leaned forward to plant her lips closed with a kiss, her fingers moving at lightning pace. With both of Azula's legs about her waist, Katara did her best to hold the princess's weight and concentrate. She was nearly at her limit when Azula tilted her head backwards, nearly meeting the balcony rail in an attempt to scream.

Katara took hold of her neck, giving a playful bite.

"Don't make me stop," she cooed. "I know you're close". Azula's head jerked up eyes meeting the other woman's. She bit her kiss swollen lip and whined, though it was much lower. Katara grinned mischievously. "Good girl," She praised her.

It was only moments later that Azula's eyes rolled backwards. Katara was unsure how many times the princess had reached her peak, but this had to be the big one. Azula shook violently before stilling completely, her chest heaving, allowing her legs to fall from Katara's waist.

Both women stared at the other, amazed at what just took place. Without a word, Katara followed Azula towards her bedroom where a single guard stood. Azula spoke low in his ear, though Katara heard enough to know what she was planning.

The guard immediately took off and Azula entered her room, pausing to look back.

"Aren't you going to come in?" She asked. "I would love to return the favor. Think of it as our private Agni Khai".