A/N:
I'm back!
Part 2:
Honestly, she was just annoyed. Having to go on a 'date' with the Fire Lord that forced himself on her the other day. She couldn't believe she was having to do this. Suck up her pride and push aside her feelings in order to make him not feel like the evil bastard he was.
When she was dressed in a pink and red hanfu dress that had a gold sash to it, Katara went to her vanity and applied just a little makeup. She even did her own hair in a simple topknot to spiderlily hairpin going through it. She was soon gathered by the Fire Lord's servant, Yotori, and escorted to the part of the palace she only saw once, on the day she arrived.
The Fire Lord was dressed more like a noble than the Fire Lord, his hair was completely down as he wore a traditional red outer coat embroidered in gold and leather boots. He turned to see her and smiled, offering his hand to her. She took it and was pulled to him, his lips pressing to her hand as she stood in front of him.
"Little pond, you always look so lovely when I see you." Ozai told her.
Casting her gaze out at where the carriage was being prepared for them, "Will I really be punished if I am wrong, my lord?"
Smirking, "I never say what I don't mean, Katara, but I promise to make it a simple punishment. Nothing gorey if you're wrong." Ozai told her.
Katara slipped her hand out of his and began making her way down the steps to the carriage. She waited for the Fire Lord to catch up and he opened the door for her, climbing in after she settled in her seat. They sat across from each other and she regretted it. He stared at her most of the ride to a random village east of the capital city. She didn't know what he wanted her to prove to him that she was being honest in her description of the world by using one of his nation's villages as an example. What difference would it make if he did know? Not like he would do anything about it.
"About the other night, I-"
"Himiko and Jade told me. You were drunk and didn't know what you were doing." Katara cut him off. "It is fine."
"It's not." Ozai told her as he averted his eyes from her. "What I did was inexcusable and I swear to you it won't happen again."
Katara sighed in annoyance, "Why do you bother apologizing? Sex is what I'm here for, isn't it? You provide me luxuries and I sleep with you. Not to mention, you know very well I don't like you at all. I still see you as my enemy. Nothing is going to change that."
Ozai smirked at her, "I like you. I like your honesty even more. But I don't doubt for a second that you will eventually fall for me."
"What makes you think that?" Katara folded her arms and lifted a brow to him.
Shrugging, "I just know."
Rolling her eyes, Katara looked away from him as she was no longer interested in having a conversation with him. However, he wasn't done with their conversation. He asked her what he could do to make her fall in love with him.
"You can start by not being you."
Ozai chuckled, "What do you mean?"
"If you weren't the Fire Lord, weren't the man that killed my best friend, weren't the asshole that made my brother into a eunuch, weren't the man that's wronged so many people, then maybe I could eventually." Katara told him. "You're a monster and I hate you."
Seeing that the girl was in no mood to really deal with him as she seemed frustrated just explaining herself, Ozai decided to leave her alone. The trip wasn't too much more and he'd witness for himself if her assessment of villages within his nation being impoverished. When they arrived at one of the villages, Ozai pulled back his curtain to take a look and saw that Lady Sapphire had indeed been correct. He was surprised. It looked as if he were in a different land because there was no way this kind of poverty existed in his country. To be sure, Ozai had instructed his entourage to continue on to two more villages that Katara stated were in poor condition and they too were to his surprise, full of suffering.
Returning to the palace, Ozai had his head servant escort Katara back to the harem where he would later reconvene with her. Entering, Consort Fumi's domain, Katara was approached by Lady Jade and Lady Himiko that wanted to hear all about her date with the Fire Lord. It wasn't often that anyone got to spend the entire day with the Fire Lord. However, the Fire Lord so casually took her out like it was no big deal. It was incredible. No one but Katara had ever been allowed the entire day with the Fire Lord. She was lucky and all the harem knew it.
"So…what did you and his majesty get up to?" Jade asked suggestively.
Himiko chuckled, "Not what you're thinking, obviously."
Katara sighed and told them all about what she did on her date. It wasn't really a date as much as it was a bet that took all day to win.
"Wow, don't tell anyone else that." Jade said. "Right now you're the envy of the harem. "
"She's right, Sapphire. You should be careful. A lot of ladies of the harem are talking about you." Himiko told her.
Katara sighed. She didn't care. She just wanted to lay down and rest. Dealing with the Fire Lord was exhausting and she knew he'd be back later to spend the night. There were just a few short hours she'd have to herself and she didn't want to waste that time talking about the Fire Lord. She wanted to bathe and lay down, hopefully get rid of the headache she had.
…
Ozai was sitting at his desk with his fists balled as he glared out his window into the garden where two of his ministers were talking amongst each other. He did some research into the villages that Lady Sapphire brought to his attention that were below the standards he'd say was acceptable for those of the superior nation of the Fire Nation. How could this have happened right underneath his nose? Something needed to be done about it and since Lady Sapphire knew more about the world outside the palace accompanied by the fact that she had no reason to deceive him, he'd consult her about the provinces and cities within this nation. How could the Fire Nation lead when its people lived as they were. It was sickening.
Entering the harem, Ozai went to Consort Fumi's domain and was escorted to Lady Sapphire by his favored consort.
"How was your time spent with Lady Sapphire today? Was she well behaved?" Fumi asked him.
Ozai nodded, "She was very insightful today. Helped me see what I've been blind to all along. I plan to reward her for such."
Fumi was pleased to hear this. It was her hope that Lady Sapphire came around to be more than just a lovely concubine to the Fire Lord. She wanted the young woman to be among his favorites. Of course, not more loved than her but loved enough where it made her domain even more favorable and the envy of all the harem.
Arriving at Lady Sapphire's chambers, Fumi knocked on the wooden panel before sliding the door open for her master and love, the Fire Lord.
Stepping in, Ozai heard the concubine singing and followed the sound of her lovely voice to the back patio of her chambers. There, he saw her with the pet he gifted her with, brushing the beast's fur as she laid against its very large form.
Clearing her throat, he saw her be startled from her lounged position and stood up to greet him. She bowed and he stopped her just before her head went completely down.
"No need for that." Ozai told her as he grabbed her wrist and pulled her along with him. "Come, we need to talk."
Katara stumbled over herself a little as she was led to her sitting area. There she sat down while the Fire Lord excused Fumi for the chambers so they could speak in private. When alone, the Fire Lord took a seat down across from her and sighed to himself as he rested his clasped hands against his chin.
"Is something wrong, my lord?" she asked.
Inhaling and then exhaling, Ozai's gaze focused on her. "Tell me, little pond, what are you good for?"
Katara raised a brow.
"What I'm asking is what else do you know? You tell me of the world and my own nation, things I don't know. I wonder what else there is that you know that I don't."
Katara looked down into her lap and twiddled her fingers, "I'm not sure, my lord. I haven't a clue what there is you do not know that I would. I'm barely literate and have no formal teaching. I doubt there is much more I would know that you wouldn't."
Ozai sighed at this and sat back in the chair with his arms folded. "I need your help with something. Something I don't think I can trust my own ministers and officials to do."
Confused and surprised by this, Katara tilted her head. "Do what?"
Stroking his chin, "I want to improve the lives of my people. Only then can I truly say we are superior. I need your help to see to it that it is a possibility. That and I want to condemn the men I put in charge of those towns we saw today for failing me. Will you lend me your aid, Little Pond?"
Katara didn't know what she was supposed to say but she was sure, he didn't want her to decline the offer. However, how could she be of any help to him? She was just a simple concubine.
"My lord, I don't think I would be useful. Maybe a more learned concubine or consort could help you."
Ozai scoffed, "They all either have ties to the officials in question or no insight on the issue at hand. You, however, are not the same. That is why I am asking you."
"But-"
"As a reward, I will free your friends one by one to their respective homes. That and I plan to have you formally educated to better improve your use for me. And if you want for anything else, I can make it happen. You need only tell me." Ozai informed her.
Katara looked at him like he was offering her exactly what she needed. Exactly what she wanted. "My lord…I-I I don't know what to say."
"Then say 'yes'."
Katara wasn't sure she should. He was after all her enemy. Why should she help him? But then again, he was offering to free her friends. So, why wouldn't she?
"Very well, my lord. I'll be of aid."
"Excellent. I need it to be known that this is to be kept a secret. No one can know a concubine is aiding me. It would be shameful."
"Oh but of course." Katara said sarcastically.
Ozai caught this and slanted his eyes at her. "And because it is to be a secret, I'll have to teach you everything myself."
Katara sighed at this.
"Tell me, do you read at all?"
"Mostly Water Tribe script and a little bit of common script." Katara told him.
"Any Fire Nation script?" Ozai asked.
Katara shook her head.
"Very well, I'll teach you Fire Nation script. That and other things I feel you should know in order to be of full service to me." Ozai informed her.
Katara nodded her head at this.
"Now, that's been discussed. I do believe I owe you a reward." Ozai smirked.
Katara swallowed hard at this.
Ten minutes later…
"Like this." Ozai said in her ear as he held to her wrist and showed her the proper way to swing the dagger. "Now you try."
Mimicking his movements, Katara swung the dagger and did so with very the same precision and grace as the Fire Lord.
Chuckling, "That's my girl."
Katara looked down at the blade as she settled it in her hands, "I'm your enemy. Why would you give me a knife?"
"You are my concubine and aid. I don't know much about you yet, little pond, but you don't strike me as a cold blooded killer. You've had an opportunity to off me and instead you rode my face. I trust you more with my life than anyone else at this moment." Ozai told her as he caressed her face while wearing a smirk. "Keep the dagger. The harem seems pleasant at times but things do tend to get ugly. You'll need to be able to defend yourself and there's not always a full moon to help you overpower your chi-blocking brace."
The Fire Lord took the dagger out of her hands and set it aside. He turned his attention back to her and gave her a look, a look she seemed all too familiar with at this point. Watching her pull down the collar of the kimono she was wearing, Ozai licked his lips at the view of her perfectly shaped breasts and then her beautifully shaped naked body. When she was done undressing herself and she stepped out of her clothes that pooled at her feet, Lady Sapphire stepped to him to begin undressing him. He caressed her face as she did so.
"Katara…" He purred her name.
Katara paused and looked up at him as he finally used her name.
Smirking down at her, "Can I call you by your name in private?"
The waterbender nodded.
Caressing her cheeks, Ozai cupped her face and purred her name again before pressing his lips to hers.
Swept up in the heat of the moment after being called by her name in such a suggestive manner, Katara reached her arms up around his neck after undressing him and was lifted off the floor to be carried to bed. It was a very sensual evening and Katara couldn't deny that she enjoyed every bit of it. She was in his lap, working her hips above him as he thrusted up into her, meeting each other halfway for the most satisfaction. They took it slow and whispered each other's names as Ozai gave her permission to use his whenever they were alone.
"Ozai." She breathed against his lips as she raked her fingers through his hair and back.
Moving against one another, Ozai couldn't help the heated haze he felt in this moment. He had been with many women and enjoyed them all to the fullest but he never felt anything like this. Not for a long time and it was so hard for him not to devour her lips, swallowing her cries of pleasure. He held her tight to him as they rolled their hips into each other's.
Grounding his fingers into her lower back, Ozai cursed under his breath as he came into her. He felt it wasn't enough and pushed her down on her back and fucked her some more to her surprise. She clung onto him as he rammed himself into her, cumming some more as he forced her down into the bed.
Sitting up, he rode out his climax and realized he was still hard.
"My lord, are you still-"
"Shh," He grabbed her waist and gripped it tight as he thrusted into her to the hilt, causing her to cry out. "You've awakened something in me and I won't be finished with you till you are filled to the brim."
Katara clawed the sheets as he slipped his member into her ass. Ozai spreading her wide enough to take him deep. She cried into the sheets as he thrusted deep and hard into her tight ass as he growled in her ear.
"Yes!" She cried as she never felt anything so good in her life.
Ozai pulled on her hair as he wrapped it around his fist and plunged himself into the depths of her pretty little ass. "Take it just like that, Katara. Take me just like that."
And she took him. Met every thrust with a buck of her own and little by little her ass was shaped to the size of him allowing him to be much rougher with her. The night was filled with both the Fire Lord and Katara crying out in pleasure. This felt too good and neither wanted it to end. Ozai came again but just as before, he was not finished with her.
When morning came, the two got up and bathed together in the tub. Katara scrubbed the Fire Lord's back and washed his hair, somehow liking this little moment of intimacy between them. She never really experienced this with someone. Sure, there was Zuko but she and him made it clear there were no emotions in what they were doing. They were simply fulfilling a need they both shared and while that was the same between her and the Fire Lord, it somehow felt a little different.
Combing his hair, Katara felt a small smile creep onto her face and she quickly tried to rid herself of it. Reminding herself who she was dealing with.
"I say we get started today on our plans. After we dress, you'll accompany me to my offices and I'll teach you everything you need to know." Ozai told her as she rung hair out and wrapped it up to his head to prevent it from getting wet again. "Anyone asks what you're doing with me all day, just tell them that your company is most desired."
"Yes, my lord."
…
The entire harem was discussing it and Consort Fumi was doing her best not to feel annoyed by the chatter. The Fire Lord spent all his mornings, for the last two months, in his office with Lady Sapphire accompanying him. She'd be in his company from dawn till the sunset and then the Fire Lord would occasionally spend the nights with her, the erotic sounds pure bliss. It was easy for some ladies to become envious of the new concubine but Consort Fumi was not phased. The Fire Lord had a new pet. Of course, he was doting on her.
"Consort Fumi." A concubine that was loyal to her rushed in.
Having her maids apply her makeup, "Yes, Lady Huan-Huan." Fumi said in a drowsily annoyed tone.
Huan-Huan hurried to the consort's side and cupped her ear to whisper, "My brother says he saw the Fire Lord with Lady Sapphire in his office and-"
"And I know this already. She accompanies him daily now."
"Yes but my brother says he caught the Fire Lord teaching Lady Sapphire to read and write."
Fumi raised a brow at this. Read and write? Why would he teach her that himself?
"Also, he asked her to attend tonight's dinner with some of his governors to help him discern something."
"Discern what?"
Huan-Huan shrugged.
"Thank you for this bit of information, Huan-Huan. I'll ask Lady Sapphire about it."
Bowing her head, Huan-Huan left the consort's presence.
Fumi waved her maids away as she got to thinking and looked at herself in the mirror. Why is his majesty teaching her literacy himself? And what does he need her to discern for him tonight?
As his favorite consort, Fumi had been the only one to attend dinners with the Fire Lord and make discernments about his court officials. Why was he suddenly interested in Lady Sapphire aiding him? The consort got up and decided to go see if Lady Sapphire had returned from her day with the Fire Lord. She had her maids accompany her and when she saw that Lady Sapphire was not in her chambers, she decided she'd go pay the Fire Lord a visit herself.
As she left her domain, she saw Consort Lin and Consort Lao-Fang. The two were waving their fans haughtily as they chuckled at the sight of her. Consort Fumi paused and whipped out her fan before approaching them.
"Is something to your amusement, Consort Lin, Consort Lao-Fang?" Fumi asked.
Lao-Fang rolled her eyes, "What's funny is that you've always prided yourself on being better than all of us and now a concubine under your wing has the Fire Lord wrapped around her finger."
"It's only temporary." Fumi assured them.
Fanning herself, Consort Lin smirked. "Or perhaps your time as the Fire Lord's favorite has ended."
"Nonsense." Fumi scoffed. "I've been his favorite since before he was Fire Lord and for twenty years, he has loved no one but me. Not even his good for nothing ex-wife, Ursa."
Lao-Fang scoffed, "I've seen that Consort Sapphire. She's young and exotic. I'm not sure how you expect to compete with that."
"Unlike Lady Sapphire, I have the Fire Lord's ear and his respect. That's much more than whatever that silly girl can offer him." Fumi prided.
Lao-Fang and Lin laughed to themselves as they walked around Consort Fumi.
"Let's hope you're right, Fumi."
Katara sighed as she was struggling to perfect the characters that the Fire Lord was teaching her. For the most part, she understood how to read the characters of Fire Nation script and managed to read some of his reports with great understanding. Only a few words had to be made clear to her but she did well learning to read. Writing, however, she struggled to perfect her brush strokes. It wasn't just enough that to copied the brush strokes, she had to make it as neatly as possible.
Seeing the concubine was struggling, Ozai got up from his desk and went over to the area he set up for her at the low table. He sat behind her and grabbed her hand to show her exactly how to make the strokes correctly. He noticed her stiffening at the feel over his breath against her bare neck. Lately, she had been very shy towards him outside the bedroom. The more he slept with her the more she seemed to be aware of his presence outside of their love making. He wondered if he was finally growing on her and she was fighting her feelings.
"Will you really free my friends if I help you?" Katara asked him.
Ozai nodded as he had his head just by the side of her face. "You help me and I'll give you whatever you want."
If that was the case, Katara would continue as she had in order to get what she wanted from him. It was a mutual exchange. She helped him fix the issue of poverty in his nation and slept with him, then he freed her friends and more. She needed to make sure she did a good job at this. She wanted to see if he'd grant her her freedom.
Feeling his large hand slide up her side, Katara glanced at the Fire Lord as he pulled her to his chest and started pulling up her dress. Grabbing his wrists, "My lord, we shouldn't. Not at these hours." She told him.
"Why not? Because Fumi says only whores fuck under the light of Agni?" Ozai scoffed. "Ignore her. I don't share her religious beliefs and neither should you."
"But-"
"Shhh, you're my concubine, little pond. Your duty is to please me in whatever way that is needed." He said as one hand traveled up to her neck and the other pulled up her hanfu dress.
His lips pressed to her jaw as he held her against him, his fingers toying with her sex as she let out breathy moans. He was about to flip her on her back to take her, when his page boy entered to tell him that Consort Fumi was here. Ozai scoffed in annoyance as he let go of Katara and whispered for her to straighten herself out and continue what she was doing.
As Ozai got back to his desk, he told the page boy to allow Fumi to enter and when she entered, he saw her glance over at Katara for a moment. He figured some jealousy was stirring in the harem but he thought Fumi would be immune to it.
"Aren't you lovely today, Fumi? Tell me, what brings you here?" Ozai asked her.
Fumi walked up to his desk, "My lord, The ladies of the harem are restless without your attention. Please, spare them your company."
"But I am enjoying the company of Lady Sapphire at the moment." Ozai told her.
Fumi glanced over at the woman, who was writing something. "Yes but Lady Sapphire needs to train for the garden party next week and you have ladies of the harem that desperately want your attention, my lord. Grace them with it."
Ozai sighed, "Very well, tomorrow, I'll allow Lady Sapphire to return to the Lady Xiao to train for the garden party. I'll see you this evening and then visit the others throughout the week."
Fumi smiled at him, "Thank you, my lord."
As the consort left, Ozai told Lady Sapphire to come sit in his lap and as she did, he proceeded to have his way with her. He wasn't going to be able to see her tonight, so he'd have to make the most out of now. Katara did her best to keep the noise down as she didn't want anyone to know that she was having sex with the Fire Lord during the middle of the day.
…
The following day, Katara was dressed in her dancing clothes by her maid and escorted to Lady Xiao by them. She noticed many of the ladies eyeing her funny and she could tell some were snubbing her. The Fire Lord warned her that becoming his favorite came with consequences amongst the ladies of the harem. Every sympathized with the lady that was practically ignored but the one within his favor, that lady was most always despised.
"Lady Sapphire, you've returned to us." Lady Jade and Lady Himiko approached her.
Katara nodded her head, "I'm glad to be back amongst you. I missed dancing."
Himiko decided to ask what everyone wanted to know. "So, what were you doing with the Fire Lord these last two months?"
"Poetry." Katara lied seamlessly. "I took an interest in his collection and he allowed me to read it while he worked."
"Is that so?" Himiko asked suspiciously.
Katara nodded, "Yes, I could share some of the poetry I read."
All the ladies groaned at this as they realized they were jealous for nothing. Of course, the Fire Lord wasn't doing anything special with her. She was, after all, a prisoner of war and a Water Tribe woman. No way the Fire Lord was that interested in her.
"Sounds boring. I was hoping for better details." Himiko sighed.
Katara rubbed her neck, "I mean, letting me read his collection seemed pretty nice."
"Yeah but there wasn't anything interesting going on."
"We did talk about some of the pieces and his majesty was very insightful. I never took him for the time to enjoy poetry." Katara said as she continued playing to what she knew would keep them at bay.
The concubine all practiced their dance and Katara had no problem catching up on the movements with them. She'd be ready in a week's time to begin dancing. As they all took a break, Katara was fanned by Lady Jade, who chuckled that she was putting a lot of effort in today. Himiko got the three of them some water and they lounged in the grass of the courtyard, soaking in some sun.
"Did you hear the Fire Prince would be in attendance at the garden party?" Himiko asked.
Katara shook her head. No, the Fire Lord never once mentioned to her that his son would be in attendance at the garden party.
"Yeah," Jade said. "The Fire Prince is finally off of house arrest and will be allowed to attend the garden party. I wonder if his father will let him pick a consort and a few concubines of his own since some of the ladies of the harem are rarely if ever used."
Tilting her head, "He can do that?" Katara asked.
Himiko sipped her water, "Yup, but don't think for a second the Fire Lord will allow him to pick you. He knows better than to let his son have a former comrade as a concubine. Besides, no one from Consort Fumi's domain is allowed to be with anyone but the Fire Lord. The others are often used to entertain officials and ministers, the rest of the palace has access to them with permission of the Fire Lord himself. I thank Agni everyday that I only have to serve the Fire Lord."
This interested Katara. She didn't know anyone but the Fire Lord had access to the Harem. Good thing he placed her in a domain that no one else had access to. She didn't know what she'd do with herself if she had to entertain anyone else. It was bad enough she had to entertain the Fire Lord, anyone else would be too much for her to cope with. But what was even more interesting was that Zuko had been spared and allowed to remain Fire Prince. She wondered how he was doing. Maybe she could talk to him during the garden party.
As the garden party event took place, Katara and the other dancers of Consort Fumi's domain were dressed in red genie pants and matching crop tops with gold bangles to their wrists and ankles. Their hair was pulled into a high ponytail with their hair swooping out in the front. Eyes lined with black liner and gold eyeshadow, their lips painted red. It was a very uniform look for them and before the entertainment began, they mingled with the guests and served wine along with the other harem ladies that were allowed to attend.
Pouring wine for the officials the Fire Lord had her looking into, Katara saw the Fire Lord raise his glass up and shake it as he eyed her, signally for her to come pour his wine. She saw Zuko sitting next to him with his hair all in his face and a gloomy expression. Going over to them, Katara was pulled into the Fire Lord's lap and hugged to his chest.
"Zuko, have you met my latest concubine, Lady Sapphire?" Ozai asked his son.
Zuko turned his head slightly and looked up, his eyes widening at the sight of Katara.
Seeing this, Ozai chuckled at how Katara turned her head away in shame. "I'm told that you relieved her of her maidenhead all in the name of being a good friend."
Zuko didn't know what to say to that as he just stared at Katara, who refused to look at him.
"Tell me, son, you two were only just friends, weren't you?" Ozai asked.
Swallowing hard as he looked away, "Ye-Yes…just friends."
"Good." Ozai purred as he caressed Katara's face and then her ear. "She's been of good use to me. A better lover than many of my other concubines. I'd hate to lose such a precious concubine to my own son."
Tightening his fists, "Katara can tell you. It was just physical."
"She's said as much." Ozai ran his hand over her bottom and she yelped up from his lap with the basin of wine. "Fill our glasses, Lady Sapphire."
Katara nodded and filled the Fire Lord's and his son's glasses.
"I can't wait to see your performance, my little pond. If you do well to impress me, I'll summon you this evening." Ozai told her as he pressed his glass to his lips.
As the waterbender took off to find her fellow dancers, she couldn't help the lump in her throat that she felt and swallowed hard. She needed to talk to Zuko, figure out how he was doing or if he knew how the rest of their friends were doing. However, it seemed that at this moment, at this garden party, she would not get the chance to speak with him.
Drinking his wine, Ozai watched his newest addition to the harem out dancing the rest of her peers. She moved her hips far more rhythmically, she was like water in a bottle being gently swayed back and forth. This little waterbender of his was incredible in all things she did. He couldn't help but believe he was falling for her. She was his perfect little minx and he couldn't wait to see her for the evening as he enjoyed her every time like it was the first. Little pond, Lady Sapphire, Katara, she was magnificent and he'd make sure she knew that from now on.
Seeing his father's eyes light with glee at Katara's solo performance, Zuko drank down his wine and tried not to feel so awful for his water friend. She knew something like this would happen. She knew that there was a chance that someone awful would get their hands on her and she was right. If she didn't know it now from the calm and gentle way his father must be treating her now, she would learn soon enough that his father was a monster. He hoped he could get to her and talk. They needed to talk.
"I think…in a short while, I want to make your little friend a consort of the harem. Give her her own domain and ladies to serve under her." Ozai's expression smoldered into a smug look. "I've already picked out the domain she would reside over. My mother's domain would suit her. They're the best of all the harem."
Zuko furrowed his brows at this, "But…Grandmother Sumi…wasn't she the only consort to-...why would you give that domain to Katara?"
Smirking as he eyed his wine glass, "I'll confess something to you, my son. I've had my eyes on your water friend for quite a while. The last remaining waterbender of the Southern Tribe. With the Air Nomad Avatar dead, you know…the next in the cycle is one of the Southern Water Tribe."
Zuko's eyes widened as he looked at his father.
Turning his head to grin at his son, "Think of how powerful I'd be making the Fire Nation? Having an Avatar of our own family line? No one would dare rise up to us. We'd be unstoppable."
"So, that day you captured us all and she refused to surrender, you never intended to execute her?"
Ozai shrugged, "I'll admit, I still planned to off her but that would have been after she gave me the Avatar. Yet now…" His gaze went back to her on the stage dancing, "I'm all too smitten with her to let death have her. She's mine and I will never let her out of my grasp."
Zuko had a terrible knot form in his gut. His water friend was in a lot of trouble. He feared for her in the near future. His father clearly had plans for her. He needed to speak to her. If only once.
…..
Gripping his black silky lock of hair, Katara cried out in pleasure as the Fire Lord thrusted deep inside her from his position above her. She couldn't help but enjoy his embrace. Another month went by and the Fire Lord had seen no one but her at night. She was his unofficial favorite. The one that everyone assumed he'd eventually give some indication of being his favorite soon enough. It was hard sleeping with a man, enemy or not, and hating him the same as she did before she met him. Especially, when said man, showered her in affection, gifts, and his time.
It only took a week for her to help him gather evidence on the officials that were overtaxing the poverty-stricken villages and arrest them. She was quick to find what they needed and even quicker to catch them in a lie. Ozai was beyond impressed and it turned him on to see there was someone at his side that was clever like him. There was a cunningness to her that he felt she didn't even know about. But he saw her. Truly saw her and she was perfect for what he had planned for her.
Kissing her passionately as they moved their joined bodies together, Ozai swept back her hair and cupped her face before pulling his lips from her. He stared down at her and saw her eyes slowly begin to open as he continued thrusting into her.
"I'm going to make you a consort, Katara." He whispered huskily to her. "Tomorrow a ceremony will be held and I'll have all your things moved to your very own domain."
Katara's eyes widened at this as he captured her lips and continued having sex with her.
"It'll be my mother's domain." Ozai whispered as he kissed her ear.
Gripping his shoulders as she started sobering up from the lusty haze that typically overcame her during sex.
Squeezing her tight to him as he was just about to climax inside of her, "I want you to have my son."
Katara's eyes widened as he came in her and froze up from his declaration.
Moments later, Katara sat up in bed and hurried off to the bathroom to try cleaning herself up. When she came out in her nightgown, cautiously eyeing the Fire Lord that was sitting on the edge of her bed with his hands clasped together. The red silk sheets were over his lap as he eyed her back in return.
"Ka-"
"I-I I need you, my lord, to explain what you just told me." Katara looked at him fearful of what he would say. "I need to know I didn't hear what I heard."
"You heard correctly, my little pond. I want you to mother my son, or daughter, whichever we manage to have."
Katara was speechless.
Chuckling at this, Ozai stood up and walked over to her. He pulled her into his arms and caressed her face, "My mother's domain was made specifically for her to have children with my father. Fire Lady Ilah was already too old to have children and so my mother, being a consort favored by my father, was allowed to have me."
"But why?" Katara asked meekly.
"Because my brother was-"
"No, why are you wanting 'me' to have your ch-child?" Katara asked with lips that trembled a bit. "I don't want to."
Cupping her face, "It's not your decision, little pond." He told her in a sweet tone. "It's a decision I've already set my mind on. You will become Consort Sapphire and give me another child to secure my family's lineage."
Katara pulled away from him, "You can't make me!"
Ozai sighed at this, "Don't make this difficult, Katara. I will get what I want one way or another." His gaze dropped from her eyes to her belly. "You haven't even noticed that I stopped having your contraceptive tea served to you. It's already in the works, dear. You could be pregnant now."
Katara's eyes widened again as she trailed her hand down to her stomach and clenched her nightgown.
"I'll take good care of you, my little pond." Ozai approached her again and wrapped his arms around her once more. "I can already tell you'll make a wonderful mother."
Morning came when Katara returned to Fumi's domain to see all the concubine and Consort Fumi standing outside watching her things be moved out. Seemed the Fire Lord meant every word he said and wanted to move things along quickly. Even more, it looked like the others knew about it and weren't at all happy. Least of all, Consort Fumi.
Katara stood aside, watching along with the others, when Lady Jade and Lady Himiko came to her, holding the leash to her tiger-dillo.
"Lady Sapphire!" They greeted her cheerfully before stopping themselves to bow. "We mean, Consort Sapphire."
Himiko lifted her head and smiled, "The Fire Lord has picked us and a few other ladies to accompany you to the Tiangong domain. The best palace of all the harem."
Lady Jade leaned over to her Katara and whispered, "They're said to be the Fire Lord's mother's domain. He must favor you quite a lot."
"More than Consort Fumi." Himiko whispered.
Katara swallowed hard as she knew someone like Consort Fumi would not be pleased with this. Even more so when it was discovered the Fire Lord wanted her to have children with him. She felt like the Fire Lord was setting her up. The harem already was envious of her during the months he was teaching her Fire Nation literacy. Now, they were really going to hate her.
Katara watched all the ladies bow down and she turned to see the Fire Lord caught up to her. She was about to bow too while holding the leash to Kohaku. However, the Fire Lord stopped her from bowing to caress her face and place a kiss on her forehead.
"Come, I'll escort you to your new domain, Consort Sapphire." The Fire Lord said as he took her up on his arm.
It was ordered that the ladies he selected to join her in the Tiangong domain would pack their things and have their maids escort them to their new living quarters.
Walking with the Fire Lord, Katara held her head low and tried not to be upset about these arrangements. She wasn't ready to be a mother. He said it like it was no big deal and that it was something she wanted for herself. Sure, she had wanted to be a mother but she had different hopes for who the father would be. In her mind, she always pictured one of the warriors from her village asking her for her hand in marriage and then, the two of them having children born out of love. She never would have imagined that the Fire Lord would come to her, asking to bear his children. She was lost for words.
"The physician is already awaiting you in your new chambers." Ozai informed her. "He will check your vitals to see if you are with child. Based on that information, I will have him put in an order for your diet and meal plan."
Katara swallowed hard, "My lord, I don't think I'm ready for this."
"Neither was my mother but my father took good care of her during and after the pregnancy. I will take even better care of you, my lovely little pond." Ozai told her. "You will have a life far better than any you could have had without me."
Reaching her domain, Katara had to say, these were incredible accommodations. There was greenery everywhere. Flowers blooming on vines all throughout the traditional domain that was structured with marble and gold. No wonder this was called the Tiangong domain. It was truly heavenly. When they entered the enormous chambers that belonged to her, Katara was lead to her sitting area that had so many throw pillows that she could jump down to the floor and land on a pillow anywhere.
"Here, take a seat." Ozai helped her down onto the sofa and took her arm, examining it for himself before holding it out to the physician. "Tell us, is she with child?"
The physician checked her pulse as thoroughly as possible before reaching a verdict. "It would seem that the two of you will need to continue in the bedroom in order to conceive the child you are wishing to have, your majesty. I can have an elixir to boost fertility for Consort Sapphire. It should be taken every night before relations begin for a month's time. By then she should be pregnant. If not, we will need to consider the status of her fertility."
The Fire Lord dismissed the palace physician and turned to her beautiful waterbender, rubbing her arm. "Every night this month I will spend it with you."
"What is the importance of this child, my lord?"
Lifting his brow at her, "Importance? Have I not told you already? I need to secure my family lineage. My current children are not exactly up to par as you may already know. Azula is not mentally sound and I've had to remove her from my line of succession altogether along with admitting her into an institution. As for Zuko, his loyalties lie elsewhere and I don't trust him for a second." Ozai moved his hand onto her flat stomach. "The child you give me, I won't make the same mistakes I made before. This one will be worthy."
"But why me?"
Ozai smirked, "My former enemy or not, you are more honest than anyone else in my harem and you have no family to advance by being my favorite. No hidden agenda. Even now, you don't see the advantage in me wanting what I want from you. Your true intentions are known and I trust you more than anyone else."
Katara averted her eyes from him, "Consort Fumi would better suit you."
"Consort Fumi doesn't know her place and steps out of line plenty. I respect her intelligence and her loyalty but I don't very much trust or like her." Ozai admitted. "I just appease her for the sake of keeping her family happy. There's nothing I feel for her."
Furrowing her brows as she looked back to the Fire Lord, "Feel nothing? My Lord are you sayin-
"I'm deeply taken with you, Katara." Ozai pulled her hand to his lips. "Trust I will be good to you."
What other choice did she have but to trust him? There was no way out of the situation she was in.
"I also want you to know that I sent all your friends home aside from Zuko and your brother, of course. I figured your brother would do better at your side for when you have our child. He'll be here shortly." Ozai told her as he kissed her hand again and let go to stand to his feet. "I have tons of work to do but I will be back in the evening to spend the night."
Katara stood with him, "My lord, I must ask…can we keep this between us? I don't want to upset the other ladies of the harem."
Ozai smirked, "In time, you'll learn to not care about the harem ladies's thoughts on you but I'll honor your request. It'll stay between us until you begin showing."
"Th-Thank you." Katara said in an uneasy tone.
As the Fire Lord kissed her passionately before leaving, Katara settled into her new chambers and had a look around. She was curious about this place. It was beautiful. Even grander than Consort Fumi's. Maybe the Fire Lord truly favored her. That or something else he wasn't saying. She wanted to trust him. These last few months as the Fire Lord's concubine and now, his consort, she realized he wasn't the scary monster that she assumed him to be. He cared about his nation, even the little people, and he took good care of the ladies of the harem. Not to mention, he had been pretty good to her aside from a few instances that left her reaffirming her hatred of him. But now, she could say, she enjoyed seeing him. He took care of all her needs in and out of the bedroom. As well as got to know her well enough to pick up on shifts in her mood that he adapted to in order to be sensitive to her needs in that moment. It made her feel like she hadn't before. Not that she would have otherwise. Katara was only eighteen and aside from the brief romance she and Jet had, she had never been in a relationship with anyone. So she had no expectations or experience.
Sighing to herself, Katara passed a mirror and stopped in front of it. She tried to imagine herself pregnant and tried getting used to the idea that she'd be having children with the Fire Lord. Could she handle being a mother so soon? It wasn't like she was ever going to leave this place. The war was over and the Fire Nation had won. There was nowhere on earth to run from the Fire Nation. Nowhere that dared to define the Fire Lord. Nowhere to escape the dominating force of the Fire Nation. This was her home now and she could live it in the good graces of the Fire Lord or she could endure suffering like no other. The choice was all hers and she needed to choose wisely. Getting pregnant and giving the Fire Lord the child he wanted meant securing a good life for herself.
"Sokka!" Katara cried as she wrapped her arms around him and held him tight to her as he squeezed her.
"Katara, thank La you're alright." Sokka said while holding his little sister to him.
Pulling apart the two siblings looked each other over and sighed. They caught up and talked about everything that took place in the last five months since the war ended and the Fire Lord captured them. Apparently, all her friends were made into palace servants aside from Zuko, who had been on house arrest in chambers. Sokka told his sister how the Fire Lord sent Suki and Toph off to the Earth Kingdom where they'd be free to return home. Katara let him know that she did him a favor in order to make that happen.
"The only reason, I believe, that he didn't let you return home is because you're my brother and I think he wanted you to stay with me." Katara said.
Sokka sighed and looked away from his sister, "How has he been to you? He hasn't hurt you has he?"
Katara only told him good things about the Fire Lord as the bad things happened in the beginning of their relationship as concubine and master. Things were good between them and she didn't want to upset her brother. She'd also hold off on telling him that the Fire Lord wanted to have children with her. She felt it was best left unsaid until she could hide it from him no more. But Sokka would be the first to know. This would be his niece or nephew. Once she conceived, she'd tell him why he was with her and why she was moved to this domain.
….
The mornings were peaceful and calm. Sokka would watch his sister practice dancing with some of the ladies of the harem and see how his sister managed to smile through all she had endured. The nights were often filled with erotic noises from his sister's chamber as he and another eunuch stood outside to ensure no one interrupted their evening together. It was only when it died down that Sokka could cull his anger. He hated what the Fire Lord was doing to his sister. He hated how he was using her like an object to sate his sexual desires.
It was one morning when the Fire Lord was leaving his sister's chambers that Sokka overheard something he wished he hadn't heard.
"I love you, my little pond." The Fire Lord whispered to his consort. "Do you love me?"
Their foreheads rested against one anothers, "In due time, my lord, I'll return your feelings. In due time." Katara told him.
Cupping her face, the Fire Lord kissed his beautiful consort and smiled at her. "I hope you'll give me your heart soon. I want our child to know its mother and father are dear to each other."
Katara nodded as he pulled away from her.
"I'll be back this evening."
With a kiss to her hand, Katara watched the Fire Lord leave and noticed her brother looking at her with wide eyes. She realized in that moment that he had heard. Once the Fire Lord had left the domain, Katara invited her brother into her chambers for tea and sat him down to tell him everything. Sokka was not happy with this at all but when she stressed that the Fire Lord gave her no room to refuse and that this was the only way to have a sustainable life, he did his best to be understanding. He knew his sister was just playing her cards right with the Fire Lord. It wasn't her fault that he had fallen for her and wanted a child with her. All he knew was that they needed to stay together.
"I'm sorry, sis. I wish we had fought harder." Sokka said as he was on the verge of tears.
Katara sniffled and cupped the side of her brother's face, "It's fine, Sokka. We're together in this. That's all that matters."
Around the harem, many were still fixated on the fact that Consort Sapphire, a Water Tribe woman, had managed to become a favorite of the Fire Lord. And not just a favorite. The Favorite. Everyone would not stop discussing it. Even the ladies of her domain would not stop discussing it. Some felt the Fire Lord had become taken with her because she was the most exotic, there being no other Water Tribe women in the harem. Others, like those of her domain, believed the Fire Lord had fallen for her because he liked who she was. Consort Sapphire was kind and gracious. No other consort shared her time with the Fire Lord with other ladies of her domain like she did. She always wanted to make sure the ladies of her domain got to enjoy the company of the Fire Lord. She was fair and compassionate. Looking out for the ladies of her domain and making sure they had all they needed.
The winter months were rolling in and the winter celebration was upon them. The Fire Lord allowed the consorts to go into the city to get gifts for the ladies of their domain. Consort Sapphire was the only consort to get anything for her ladies. This pleased the Fire Lord as he liked to see a woman that had a selfless compassionate heart. It reminded him of the kind of woman his mother had been. So, he spent the winter celebration with the ladies of Tiangong domain, making them the envy of the harem.
Sitting in the Fire Lord's lap, Katara gleefully watched the ladies of her domain light up at their gifts.
Sipping his wine, "You have a kind heart, little pond." Ozai told her.
"I merely did what I thought I was supposed to." Katara said.
A maid approached her to fill her glass with water.
"No wine?" Ozai asked her.
Smiling slightly, "I do not think it would be wise to drink given my condition."
Raising a brow, "What condition?"
Katara leaned against his ear and whispered. The Fire Lord's eyes widened and everyone saw him pull the water consort into a passionate kiss before declaring his love for her.
Word got out quickly about the Fire Lord claiming to love Consort Sapphire. The other consorts were not happy and gathered together to confront Consort Sapphire about these allegations. Arriving at her domain, the ladies requested to have a chat with the Consort Sapphire and the eunuchs escorted them to the courtyard where the Consort was having breakfast with her ladies. Fumi led the vanguard of consorts to her former ward. She was outraged at the little Water woman. How dare she use tricks and bewitch the Fire Lord to say such a thing to her, and to do so publicly. It was unfathomable.
Having fruit juice poured in her glass, Katara giggled with her ladies over a story that Himiko told them all about her time in the countryside with her brothers. She enjoyed mornings like this. All of them getting together to take in the rising sun and talk amongst each other. Unlike the other domains, Katara was only given seven concubines to live with her. All ladies she got along with in Fumi's domain. They all praised her and looked out for her, letting her know the gossip of the harem so she could keep her eyes peeled. She felt they were loyal to her because she was kind and compassionate with them, sharing all her things with them and looking out for their wellbeing. It was why when she saw Consort Fumi enter the courtyard with the other five consorts of the harem, that she was not in the least surprised.
The laughter of the courtyard died down as Katara was helped up to her feet by her maid in order to greet the other consorts.
"Good morning." She greeted them all. "Would you like to join us for breakfast?"
Fumi scowled at the blue eyed consort, "We must speak with you in your chambers." She said in a haughty tone.
Knowing this conversation would be a confrontational one, Katara refused to speak to the consorts privately. It was safer to be in the open. She was carrying the Fire Lord's child and if these ladies chose to be cruel to her while she was holding onto a child of the Fire Lord, she needed witnesses and those that could interfere to help her protect this child.
"Fine, I'll air out your business to all the ladies then!" Fumi's voice rose.
"Very well." Katara replied.
"We know that the Fire Lord could not possibly fall for a woman of your caliber. A water wench from the southern wastelands that dared to define his reign. You are a prisoner of war despite your status as Consort. How dare you use tricks and witchcraft on the Fire Lord to gain his adoration! You've hogged him for months, only sharing him with those close to you while he can't help but neglect the rest of us due to the enchantment you've placed him under!" Fumi spat viciously.
The ladies of the Tiangong domain all rose and looked to their former consort and were displeased with the way she spoke to Consort Sapphire.
"It isn't witchcraft!" Lady Jade spat. "She has a good soul and the Fire Lord can see that. It is hard not to notice the difference between Consort Sapphire and the rest of you!"
Consort Lao-Fang glared at the concubine, "Bite your tongue, you Earth Kingdom mud slinger!"
Katara walked up to Consort Lao-Fang and slapped her, "Don't speak to my lady in that way, Consort Lao-Fang. We are all ladies of the Fire Lord. Have some tact." She eyed the consorts all with disapproval. "If you feel deserted by the Fire Lord, I will let him know to make time for you all. There is no need to be hostile."
"Hostile?! How dare you accuse us of hostility!" Consort Lin shouted. "You filthy Water Tribe whore!"
The consort was about to slap the blue eyed consort when her wrist was grabbed from behind and she screamed in pain from being burned. They all turned to see the Fire Lord and everyone quickly bowed.
Eyeing his women in disappointment, "Is this how you all behave when I'm away from you?"
As they all rose back to their feet, Fumi decided to speak up for all the consorts she had followed her here. She explained the situation to him, that he was neglecting his other consorts and ladies of the harem to be with Consort Sapphire and her ladies. The Fire Lord slapped her.
"How can I want to spend my time with bitter women? You come into Consort Sapphire's domain and verbally assault her and her ladies. I will not tolerate this behavior within my harem. You all know better. I shouldn't have to break up fights." Ozai bit out.
"But my lor-"
"All of you get lost!" The Fire Lord shouted as he went over to Consort Sapphire and looked her over to see she had not been harmed.
As the Consort left, the Fire Lord informed Lady Jade that he would see her this evening and spend the night with her for defending Consort Sapphire. The Lady smiled and bowed, thanking him before she and the others returned to their breakfast.
Katara had one of the maids get a seat for the Fire Lord and had him sit beside her as she plucked some fruit from her plate to feed to him.
"You've barely touched anything on your plate, my little pond." Ozai told her after chewing the fruit.
Picking up another piece of fruit, "I'm not hungry, my lord. It's been challenging to eat anything that isn't spicy or hot."
"You're craving spicy foods?" Ozai raised his brow at her.
Katara nodded her head.
Smirking, "Then it looks like you'll be giving me a son." He whispered as he nuzzled her neck with his face as he discreetly rubbed her belly.
"I fear it may be a girl, my lord." Katara told him.
"What makes you think that?" Ozai asked her. "All women that gave birth to sons craved spicy foods, my love. It's a clear indication."
"Yes, you may be right." Katara replied seldomly.
Kissing her under her chin, "I'll have the kitchen ensure your meals are prepared to accommodate your cravings. I need to make sure my son is born healthy and strong. Only the best from my little pond will I accept."
Katara nodded.
Later that night while the Fire Lord was with Lady Jade, Katara was able to relax a little more than she had in recent from having to entertain the Fire Lord nonstop. She was glad that he had gotten what he wanted from her and that she no longer had to worry about sating his appetite. However, she was soaking in her bath when suddenly, she noticed the Fire Lord was present in his night robe.
"My lord, aren't you supposed to be with Lady Jade?" Katara asked as she sat up from her lounging position in the tub.
Ozai looked over her naked body in the water, "She's already fallen asleep." He told her. "I figured I'd come see you."
Katara's maid helped her out of the tub as another wrapped her in a towel. She walked up to the Fire Lord and wondered what he was here for. She knew it couldn't be for what she thought he might be here for as the physician had specific orders for them to refrain from having relations. However, she feared he might actually be here to have her. From the way his member was still erected and his eyes were focused on her naked form that was hidden underneath the towel.
"My lor-"
"Let me have you tonight." The Fire Lord purred as he caressed her cheek with his finger.
"But your majesty, Consort Sapphire is with child." One of the maids reminded him.
Ozai glared at the maid, "Get out! All of you!"
The four maids hurried out of the chambers upon the Fire Lord's saying so.
Katara could tell he wasn't taking 'no' for an answer tonight. Letting her towel fall from her, "Please, my lord, be gentle."
….
Hiding her growing belly had become difficult and Katara was hell bent on protecting the Fire Lord's child at all costs, hiding its existence until it was born was the best measure. She had her most trusted maids swear secrecy to her and the Fire Lord. The only eunuch allowed to enter her chambers was her brother. Everyone was told the Consort was ill and bedridden but everyone noticed that this didn't deter the Fire Lord from visiting her chambers in the evening. The ladies of her domain felt for her as they felt the Fire Lord should let her rest more since she had been sick for six months already. However, those outside the domain didn't feel as though the consort was truly sick. Consort Fumi especially felt something was up.
"And she says there are erotic sounds that leave the chambers at night?" Fumi asked Lady Huan-Huan.
Huan-Huan nodded, "The Fire Lord still spends most of his time with Consort Sapphire though he has gone to see the other consorts and ladies. But some say if they fall asleep early enough, he'll leave their chambers in the night and my maid says he always ends up leaving Consort Sapphire's chambers in the morning."
Fumi furrowed her brows at this. Was the Fire Lord truly in love with that water woman? It couldn't be possible. He was so proud of his Fire Nation heritage and always promoted the need to dominate all other nations. He even had parties where only his Fire Nation harem ladies could attend. The next event was coming up in a few days. Maybe she could get some insight to find out what was truly going on with Consort Sapphire.
During their nation's national holiday, Fumi made sure that she wore her best kimono dress and makeup. Her hair was styled like that of the high born status she held. The Fire Nation ladies that were allowed to attend with her all dressed their best but none looked more refined than her. She needed an audience with the Fire Lord.
Spotting the Fire Lord speaking with Consort Loa-Fang and her ladies, Fumi filled her glass with more wine and walked over to them.
"My lord," Fumi bowed.
Ozai cut his eyes to the woman and decided he needed to speak with her as much as she wanted to speak to him. Excusing himself from his other consort and concubines, the Fire Lord took Consort Fumi's hand and led her away from the party goers. They went out on the balcony and shared the glass of wine Fumi had.
"Tell me, my lord, have I done something to warrant your disfavor?" Fumi asked him.
Shaking his head, "No. You still have my favor, Fumi. You were my first consort. The first my father allowed me and you've served me well over the years. You will always have my favor."
"Then why? Why have you shunned me for this foreign woman?" Fumi asked cautiously. "I thought Fire Nation men and women were superior. That the unions between us were to make our people supreme. That all others were inferior to us. So tell me, my lord, why am I and other Fire Nation women of your harem being forsaken for a Water Tribe peasant?"
Ozai scoffed, "She's practically a princess, Fumi. Her father was a chieftain."
"Of an ice wasteland." Fumi pointed out. "Again, I ask you, my lord. Why her?"
Ozai shifted his eyes away from Fumi and looked out over his city. "I've fallen in love with Consort Sapphire. She's unlike any woman I've met and does for me what no woman had yet to do. She shows true affection for me. Undriven by motives, hidden agendas, and ambitious families. She's pure and honest and if I'm completely honest, I find no one of the harem more beautiful than her. She's like an exotic oasis and I crave to drink from her any and every chance I get."
Fumi's eyes teared up as she looked away from the Fire Lord. He did love Consort Sapphire. It was clear. She could do nothing about it.
"Then I pray she recovers from her illness. So your majesty will never go without her." Fumi sniffled.
"Illness?" Ozai looked immediately worried. "She's ill?"
Fumi looked at him in confusion, "Yes, my lord, I thought that was why she was left to her chambers for these last few months."
"Oh, why yes." Ozai chuckled. "Yes, she's been unwell."
"My lor-"
"I must be off. Please, enjoy the evening and celebrate our nation's pride. I will see you sometime this week to let you know I haven't forgotten you." Ozai told her before kissing her forehead before leaving.
In her chambers, Katara rubbed her belly as she spoke with her brother about names for her son. Sokka wanted to give them a Water Tribe name but Katara knew the Fire Lord would want his son to take a Fire Nation name. As they talked amongst themselves about how their father would have liked to meet his grandchild, the Fire Lord showed up and the two bowed to him. He kindly asked to be left alone with his consort and Sokka reluctantly left his sister to be alone with the Fire Lord.
"My Lord." Katara greeted him as he came to sit on the floor cushion beside where she was lounging with her hand on her growing belly.
Smiling at her, "How's my son doing today?"
"He's been energetic." Katara smiled back at him. "I fear the kicking will have me bedridden soon enough."
Ozai placed his hand on her belly, "Strong kicks. That's what I like to hear."
"My lord, I must ask, is this the only child you expect from me?"
Grinning at her, Ozai took her jaw and looked her over. "Would you like to have more children with me, Katara?"
Blushing, "I only want to be prepared if you decide to have more with me."
"Let's have this one and think on it later. Just give me a healthy son and I'll have no complaints." Ozai kissed her cheek.
When the Fire Lord left the next morning, Katara went to kiss him goodbye at the panel door of her chambers. However, a maid, not a part of Consort Sapphire's selective maids, saw her and her obvious sign of pregnancy. The maid hurried off to Huan-Huan, the concubine that she reported to on all things of the Tiangong domain.
"My lady, you won't believe this." The maid whispered.
Huan-Huan's eyes widened.
Fumi threw down a vase of flowers she was gifted by the Fire Lord years ago and screamed, "NO! IMPOSSIBLE!"
Word got around quickly about Consort Sapphire's pregnancy and that the Fire Lord was fully aware of it. This caused the ladies of the Tiangong domain to ask to see Consort Sapphire. The consort revealed herself and her pregnant belly, telling them she was brought to this domain to have the Fire Lord's child. Her vow of secrecy with to protect the Fire Lord's child at all cost and that she apologized for not telling them sooner. None of the ladies blamed her, they would have done the same as in the harem like their's, jealousy erupted easily, and being selected to have the Fire Lord's child by the Fire Lord himself, was a high honor. The ladies were just delighted that they'd get to see a baby soon as a harem like this rarely permitted pregnancy and children to live amongst them.
"What will you name him?" Lady Himiko asked.
Katara smiled and let Lady Jade rub her belly, "I'll leave that to the Fire Lord to decide his name."
The other ladies wanted to know when it was decided by the Fire Lord for her to have a child with him and if he planned to have more. They were all excited for the coming baby. However, the excitement was short lived as Fumi and others arrived at the domain to see for themselves if the rumors were true. When Consort Sapphire rose from her seat in the courtyard, the others all gasped at the sight of her and looked in utter shock. Consort Fumi looked absolutely devastated and Katara refused to look her way, she knew the woman had true love for the Fire Lord and to see she was not his clear favorite must have snug.
…..
With the Harem all aware of Consort Sapphire's pregnancy, the rest of the palace and nation was made aware. Zuko was of the few that weren't shocked by this news. He knew his father's plans to have Katara birth the next Avatar and raise them to be a powerhouse for the royal family of the Fire Nation. His father wanted more power than he already had. Sure, he was the leader of the world but how could he reinforce his superiority over others? Having the Avatar for a loyal offspring sounds like the way to go. He had to warn Katara. Make sure she knew his father's plan so she could counter it. Their cause was not yet lost. He hoped she still knew that.
Fortunately, Agni smiled graciously on him one day and his father threw a celebration for his favorite consort and their unborn child. It was the closest contact he had with her since the garden party last fall and he hoped to get a private word in with her. Luckily, his father had matters to attend to and left the party early, leaving him in charge to ensure the safety of the waterbender.
Walking over to the table where Katara was sitting idly while everyone enjoyed themselves, Zuko slipped into the seat beside her and saw her look at him in surprise.
"Zuko?"
Pulling some of his hair from his face, "We need to talk, Kat."
"Zuko." Katara frowned at the nickname he used with her. "I'm Consort Sapphire now. Please, don't let anyone hear you call me anything else but that."
Zuko nodded as he understood how that might sound to someone if they heard him use her original name or a former nickname. "Sorry, I just need to tell you this quickly before I don't have the chance."
Katara placed her hand on her belly, "What? Is everything alright?"
"My father is using you." Zuko told her. "He has big plans for this baby and-"
Furrowing her brows at him, "Really, Zuko?"
Confused, "What?"
Katara shook her head as she looked away from him, "Your father warned me you have something to say to me today. Something about my child."
Zuko furrowed his brows also, "He did? What did he say?"
"That you'd be jealous. That you'd try to convince me of some evil plot because you fear a challenger to your throne." Katara said.
Zuko couldn't believe this. His father already knew he'd try to tell her about his plan. That meant his father didn't trust him and this would not go well if Katara reported back to him.
"Listen, Ka- Consort Sapphire. I'm not jealous of my sibling. Not by a long shot. I just know my father is up to no good and we have to stop him."
"Stop him?" Katara turned to look at him. "Zuko, he won. What else is there to do but fall in line?"
"Katara, it's likely you're carrying-"
"Zuko, I'm going to do you this favor. Drop this and I won't tell your father he was right. Just let it go." Katara looked at him with a somber expression. "We lost and are lucky to be alive right now. Whatever plan your father has it doesn't matter anymore. He's already won. These are our fates and I've come to terms with that. You should to."
"But Ka-"
Katara shook her head, "Please, Zuko, I don't want to know what your father's plan is. Let me believe what I must to survive."
Feeling terrible for his water friend, Zuko sighed and looked away from her. "Every well, Consort Sapphire. But if you ever want to know the truth, have Sokka leave a note at the large tree in the garden telling me where to meet you. I'm there everyday and I'll tell you what's really going on if you ever want to know."
Sighing, "Trust me, Zuko. I don't ever want to know. Just…keep your head down, okay? Surviving is more important. I won't tell your father you spoke to me about this. I still see you as my friend and I know you wanted things to have turned out differently, Zuko. I truly believe you were on our side but this fight you have, you have to let it go." Katara told him pleadingly. "I don't want anything to happen to you."
"My father isn't as kind as he makes himself seem to the harem. I just want you to know that and keep yourself and your baby safe." Zuko gazed somberly at her belly.
Nodding her head, "I'll keep us safe. Just look out for yourself, Zuko."
"I will, Kat."
Several weeks later, Katara went into labor and all the harem ladies along with the Fire Lord and Fire Prince waited to hear the crying wails of a baby. It took several hours and everyone could hear the young mother in excruciating pain. The physicians came out several times to inform the Fire Lord of the progress.
"Consort Sapphire isn't doing too well, your majesty. We might have to consider other options."
"What options?" Ozai asked begrudgingly.
Zuko listened to the physician state what needed to be done in order to ensure the life of the child. He could see his father didn't want to go that route. It meant Katara's life would be forfeit. It was fortunate for her that his father's feelings were true. Otherwise, she'd be doomed. However, as the labor went on and there was no sign of a baby coming, Zuko could see his father was beginning to weigh his options. Was the life of his most favored consort more important than the life of the child he needed in order to gain the power he needed to maintain control over the world? Zuko knew he had to do something.
"Father, I think she might need some assistance." Zuko said.
Ozai cut his eyes to his son, "Assistance?"
"Yes. I know this might be hard to believe but when I was a part of her group, we came across a pregnant woman in labor. Katara and I were able to help her deliver the baby in no time. Let me help save them both." Zuko told his father.
The Fire Lord eyed his son, "Why?"
"She is my friend, father. I don't want them to hack her open and take my sibling's mother from them. Please, let me save her."
Ozai didn't have very many options at the moment and he didn't want to lose his consort either. "Fine. Go do whatever it is you think will help but if you fail, Zuko…know that you will be punished."
Zuko nodded, "Yes, father."
Hurrying into the chambers of his father's consort, Zuko was approached by the physicians and the midwives. They all wanted to know what the Prince of the Fire Nation was doing in here. He explained he could help and rushed over to where he saw Katara behind the veil in her bed, pushing with the aid of the midwives.
"Kat." Zuko said as he entered.
Looking up, "Zuko?" She looked confused.
"I'm here to help you. Like we did with that pregnant woman we came across in our travels." He told her as he slipped off his shoes and climbed into the bed behind her, shooing away the midwife in that spot. Pulling his water friend to him, Zuko placed his hands on her belly and slowly warmed it as he massaged it a little. "You can do this, Kat. You have to. The physicians are trying to convince my father to cut you open and take the baby. Right now, he's giving me a chance to save you because I think he truly cares but it won't be long till he reconsiders. You can't let my sibling go without his mother like me. My father can be a nightmare and I don't want them to suffer that way."
Katara teared up, "Zuko, I don't think I can do this."
"You have to, Kat. You have to." He applied a little more heat and the midwives all looked to the Consort.
"The baby is moving down, my lady."
Katara's eyes lit up as did Zuko's. Whatever it was that Zuko was doing, it helped. If he continued then soon enough the baby would be born and Katara would live.
The Fire Lord and ladies of the harem waited about thirty minutes after the Fire Prince entered before hearing the wails of a baby. Ozai stood to his feet in excitement and hurried up the steps to her chambers before the physician could exit to tell him that the child had been born. Entering, he saw Katara lying in bed with their child in her arms and saw his son speaking with the midwives to get her more warm towels for her aching body.
The physicians spotted him and approached, "Your majesty, congratulations, you have another son."
Ozai was overjoyed to hear this. He had a son. His beautiful water lily gave him a son. He pulled back the veil to her bedroom and entered to see she looked a little pale. The midwives informed him that she would have a meal to replenish her complexion on the way.
"Ozai," She said, forgetting they weren't in private. "Look at our son."
Not caring that she addressed him informally, Ozai went by her side and sat behind her to look over her shoulders at his son. He was currently sucking on the breast of his mother with a small patch of black hair on top of his head like most Fire Nation babies had. His complexion was alabaster like his. More so than he expected from a child born of a Water Tribe mother. He didn't mind. Just meant his Fire Nation roots were strong in the boy. He'd take after his people. Not something the ruler of the Fire Nation could complain about.
"Let's see those eyes, precious boy." Katara whispered to her son.
Little by little the couple watched as their son's eyes opened and were shocked at the color of his eyes. So, shocked in fact that The Fire Lord went silent as Katara looked to the physicians wanting answers. The physicians all came around to take a look at the child's eyes and exchanged looks.
"Your majesty, can we speak in private?" The head physician asked.
Ozai got up but his sleeve was pulled on by his consort.
"What's wrong with him, Ozai?" She asked with worry.
Patting her hand, "It'll be fine. Let me speak with the physician."
As he left out the bedroom to speak privately with the head physician, Zuko came over to take a look at his sibling that even the midwives were whispering about.
"Why are his eyes like this?" Katara asked as she held her son to Zuko and he furrowed his brows at the infant that stared up at him.
The child had one gold eye, a trait only firebenders had, and one blue like his mother's, a waterbender. Zuko knew exactly what this meant. His father likely got what he wanted. The Avatar.
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A/N: next chapter will be up in a few days