**The Fire Nation Capital's Harbor.**
The cries of seagulls faded into the bustling background of the busy port during the height of the workday. Amidst this whirlwind of activity, our group stood as a small island of calm.
"It's a shame Father can't sail with us," Zuko said regretfully. But judging by the expressions on the faces of the other members of the Fire Lord's family, they didn't seem too opposed to this outcome.
"At least the guards have doubled," Azula muttered discontentedly, glancing at the Fire Nation warriors standing near us. Their stern presence forced people to detour around our group in a wide arc.
"Your father has many important matters to attend to now. After all, he wasn't the first person in our nation before," Ursa said consolingly, patting her son on the head.
"I'm glad the chi blocker is sailing with us," Azula said more cheerfully, looking at me standing beside her.
"I'm glad too, Azula," I replied with the same smile.
I hadn't expected things to unfold this way. Yesterday, I was simply informed that I would be traveling to Ember Island with the Fire Lord's family. No reasons were given, but it was clear that extra skilled guards were never unnecessary. Besides, this way, Ozai was showing everyone that everything was under control, and even his family's vacation wasn't canceled. His absence seemed forgivable, as state matters took precedence over family affairs.
Our magnificent ship stood out like a thoroughbred horse among ordinary donkeys. Its grandeur and elegance naturally drew the attention of all passersby. But in my opinion, the world wouldn't see a ship as well-crafted as Dria's anytime soon.
"My lady, we can board now," one of the guards approached us, bowing first.
"Alright," Ursa nodded, maintaining a neutral expression—a protective mask she wore around strangers.
Soon, we settled into our cabins, which were almost indistinguishable from the usual rooms in the Palace, except slightly smaller.
As I boarded, I absentmindedly surveyed the harbor, bustling with its daily life.
"They're gone…" I concluded after a minute of thoroughly scanning the area for any undue attention to our ship or group.
Some time ago, I felt several unfriendly glances directed our way. It reminded me of when I visited Piandao…
"Most likely, there won't be an attack this time," I thought more confidently, observing the nearly full ship. "To attack so many soldiers and conquerors, one would have to be either insane or gather a significant force, which couldn't be easily concealed."
But when dealing with the Fire Sages, nothing could be taken for granted. In the worst case, I'd use my true power… Though that would be highly undesirable. I didn't want to force events that were proceeding relatively smoothly.
A burst of laughter from the neighboring room snapped me out of my thoughts. Curiosity led me to peek into Zuko's room, where I saw him tangled in a hammock…
Azula stood nearby, still laughing.
"Stop laughing and help me out!" Zuko huffed, struggling to free himself.
After untangling him with four pairs of hands, we chuckled and returned to our rooms. Soon, we'd be called for dinner. The journey would take just under two days.
Throughout the trip, no major incidents occurred. Enjoying ourselves, it felt like we were already on a resort island. On the second day, toward evening, our ship arrived at the island.
As soon as we stepped on land, we realized how exhausting sailing could be. The constant rocking didn't exactly promote quality rest. Without even discussing it, we went straight to bed after dinner, eager to wake up refreshed for the beach the next day.
The residence came with a private beach, where we decided to spend our first day of vacation. The water was surprisingly warm, but swimming in saltwater for too long seemed unlikely.
Everyone truly relaxed, a rare luxury for those living in the Palace, where you're constantly observed by everyone from servants to high-ranking officials and officers.
You quickly learn to keep your back straight and monitor your behavior, but it's still oppressive. The children of the Fire Lord are under even greater scrutiny, with every action analyzed from every angle.
"I'm glad to see them being so genuine," I said to Ursa, who was lying beside me, smiling softly as she watched her children splash around.
"This is their favorite part of the vacation," the woman agreed, casually glancing at my bare torso.
I, too, often found myself admiring her figure, which was visible through her sheer beach dress, especially her full, white breasts.
Our residence was guarded, so only a few people watched us on the beach, and even they weren't overly attentive. My reputation as a powerful chi blocker played a significant role. When Ursa naturally asked me to apply sunscreen to her back, I quickly agreed, first using my senses to ensure no unwanted eyes were around.
Removing her dress, she turned onto her stomach with visible nervousness, presenting her appetizing curves, which I couldn't help but notice. Her white bikini accentuated her ample assets, fueling my desire.
Drizzling her back with the local sunscreen, I gently ran my palms along her spine, causing a slight shiver. Her life energy flowed into my hands like a small stream, allowing me to play with her body.
"What are you doing to me?" Ursa whispered, covering her face with her hands.
My hands soon ventured beyond her back, gradually exploring other territories. Occasionally, I grazed her breast, and eventually, her soft derrière fell within my reach.
"Hmm," the mature mother moaned softly as my actions toward her lower regions grew bolder.
It didn't take long for me to notice increased moisture in a certain area. Unable to resist, I slipped my fingers into her panties, pushing them aside to free her already wet intimacy.
Now fully aroused, Ursa didn't resist my actions. Her beautiful, shaved folds beckoned me. Unable to wait, I began circling my fingers around her entrance, further heightening her arousal.
Ursa's hips began to sway and thrust, signaling her desperation.
"Va-a-an," she said in a sweet, pleading voice, causing my erection to strain against my swim trunks.
"Not now, not here…" I said to myself with regret.
Noticing the children seemed done playing and would be back soon, I decided to finish "applying the sunscreen." At first hesitantly, my index finger began to penetrate her moist folds, which welcomed the intruder with a gentle squeeze.
Within five seconds, my second finger joined in. Even then, it felt tight, though I hadn't expected such tightness from a woman who had given birth. It seemed true that Ozai hadn't visited her… Well, better for me!
Back and forth, my fingers moved rhythmically, pleasuring the woman beneath me, who eagerly impaled herself on them.
"Faster, faster," Ursa gasped, her breathing heavy.
Not resisting her desires, I felt her tense up inside. Her derrière thrust out, her back arched slightly, and my fingers, now slick with her juices, worked like a jackhammer.
In the next moment, fluid shot from her core. Exhausted, Ursa collapsed onto the sheet, not even trying to cover her wet, slightly stretched entrance. Azula and Zuko were already emerging from the water, so I quickly adjusted her panties and covered her heated, sweaty body with her summer dress.
Within a minute, the children joined us. Zuko immediately gulped down half a pitcher of juice.
"Mom, are you okay?" the observant Azula noticed her mother's strange state.
"Your mother seems to have overexposed herself to the sun," I replied quickly, "But she's fine now."
"Yes, I'm fine," Ursa said weakly, relaxed.
The day ended with a visit to one of the island's finest restaurants. In my opinion, only the best existed here, as only the wealthy and influential could afford to vacation here.
The next morning, we decided to visit a public beach, which was crowded. There were families, as well as groups of young-looking girls and boys. Zuko and Azula quickly joined some children running around the sandy shore.
Passersby often glanced at Ursa and me, but they were wise enough to recognize who we were. This time, there'd be no sunscreen application, but even without it, spending time with a beautiful, well-read woman was enjoyable. For lunch, we tried local delicacies at a new restaurant. As evening approached and the sun began to set, we returned to the beach to watch the mesmerizing sunset.
By then, drunk people had started to appear, mostly teenagers and young adults, likely children of officers and officials.
I thought such a thing couldn't possibly happen, given the intimidating guards nearby, who clearly signaled our status, even in this place. But apparently, alcohol clouded one young man's judgment, as he sauntered over, clearly not wishing us a pleasant vacation.
"Hey, mommy, you can leave your guards and spend time with a real firebender," said the guy, who looked about twenty, his eyes hungrily scanning Ursa's body.
Our guards tensed, already moving toward the fool, whose fate was sealed. Two other young men stood nearby, their condition not much different from the speaker's.
"How dare you talk to my mother like that?!" Azula shouted furiously, immediately directing a stream of blue fire at him.
"Aah!" he screamed, feeling the flames engulf his body.
"What are you doing, kid?! Tired of living?! Do you even know who my father is?!" his two friends immediately lashed out. But…
"You'll tell us everything now," one of the soldiers said calmly. "Tie them up!" he commanded, and immediately, others approached, quickly binding the young men after forcing them to their knees.
The most talkative guy was still screaming, though his only injuries were burned shorts and a bald head.
"Perfect fire control, Azula!" I couldn't help but praise my student.
"Thank you, teacher!" the princess replied, clearly proud.
Alcohol is the root of all trouble. These young men's actions would bring problems to their families… Most likely, their fathers would be fired or worse, simply killed. After all, hitting on the Fire Lord's wife showed disrespect to the nation's leader, and Ozai couldn't let that go unaddressed, or his reputation would suffer.
"What happened?" Zuko asked, approaching later, confused.
"Just some guy who thought he was something special," Azula shrugged.
Despite the unpleasant incident, we managed to enjoy the sunset's final moments, feeling like one family…
As we watched the natural spectacle, Ursa, sitting beside me, quietly placed her hand on mine. Turning to her, I saw her tender smile, meant only for me. Smiling back, I took her hand in mine.
Sometimes, simple gestures speak louder than words. Longing for affection, Ursa found herself accepting Van into her heart, already wondering how their secret relationship would develop…