And all that simmering anger, when carefully nurtured into a well-hidden, explosive and tempestuous affair, makes for a very hot time behind the doors of the stateroom cabin. The young royal is getting an education well worth the trip- and his captain is allowed to indulge in a treat rarely known to those whose titles are earned, not inherited. Mad dragon’s eyes, a knowing smirk, and the sheen of sweat on ivory skin gone golden in the candlelight has Zhao as enraptured as the promise of favors yet unpledged, goodwill being built as he- well, speaks isn’t the word for it. No one can say he hasn’t proven his loyalty most joyously and fervently.

This paragraph gets me every time. It's wonderful, walking this really fine line between being absolutely explicit about their sex and keeping it just a little bit coy, a little bit hidden. The language is just so well used here; I love it.

I really love the little details - the ribbons on the messenger-hawk, Ursa's swords being missing at the wedding, calf-piglets in a hogchicken's nest.

Ozai being taken back practically by force and married off to Ursa, mmmm. Seven-month pregnancy, officially, then. ^_~ Also, much love for him punishing Zhao for his role in all of this.