The Third Time Was for His
by Kaiyrah
He had taken her three times, as far as she was concerned.
A:tLA is not my own property; I've merely borrowed them for my own entertainment.

He had taken her three times, as far as she was concerned.

The very first time, she was merely seventeen and he was twenty. The aching bitterness that remained instilled in her grandmother trickled down to poverty in Ursa's generation -- Fire Lord Sozin betrayed your grandfather, Ursa -- and he happened upon her when he wandered a bit too far off to train.

He spied her bathing in the river, the moonlight reflecting off her skin. Her long hair, dark as the night, floated in the water, long white fingers --the hands of a royal, he thought greedily -- raised droplets of water up to her arm.

Do you want to marry me? he asked her not an hour later as she stared up at him from the soil, her flush visible even in the dark. You can have anything you desire. I am the Fire Nation Prince, you know.

I do know, she answered quietly, wrapping her arms around him. And I can't refuse.

The second time, they were married for three months before Ozai stepped into her private chambers -- they were married, yes, but they still had separate sleeping arrangements -- and expressed interest in speaking with her for a bit.

Father -- Fire Lord Azulon will be expecting children soon.

Of course. She set her book down.

Do you... he trailed off, and she frowned; this is a different man, much different from the one who had taken her innocence without a second thought upon their first meeting. She had grown used to that man. Fond of him, even.

If Father wants another grandson, then let us give him one, she told him quietly, dimming the lights until the room was completely dark.

The third time was the most painful; their son had just started the very beginning forms of firebending and he already was not showing much promise. It angered Ozai to no end, and he made certain that Ursa knew his opinion.

How dare you give me a weak heir, he demanded, gripping her wrists so tightly she could feel her hands going numb. I will be Fire Lord, and I won't let a mistake get in my way.

Ursa cried that night. He came to her later on, attempting to coax her back into his arms, Ursa, beloved, come here now -- but it wasn't enough. The damage was done.

The first time was for love -- or was it lust? She couldn't tell anymore; perhaps living in the palace had distorted her perception.

The second time was for her benefit.

The third time was for his.

end