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Kiss of Fire	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 75165 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Kiss of Fire

Chapter Ten – Point of No Return

o0o0o0o
Katara

I stared in the mirror at my reflection, taking in all that had been done to me in preparation for this day. My hair had been combed thoroughly by a good-luck woman that had a reputation for doing this for many brides of the noble houses. From the looks of her, it appeared as if she had done this for countless brides, and I had been amazed that her gnarled hands were able to hold the comb.
My hair was then been pulled up from my face, parted neatly in the middle and twisted into an elegant-looking bun at the back of my head, in the style of Fire Nation women. Hana had gone to one of the gardens this morning while I had my breakfast and had returned with the last of the firelilies. She put them in a vase in my apartment, but took two and placed one at either side of my head against the bun, their natural beauty contrasting sharply with the glitter of the diamonds and rubies in my hairpins. I knew that at the coronation, a crown would adorn the top of my bun, like my husband wore his crown where his hair was pulled back.
My high-collared robe were exquisitely tailored, and now that I was wearing it with the proper accessories, the effect was stunning. They were a deep burgundy silk, with black and gold along the edges. Shades of red and gold thread were embroidered in the material, revealing the intricate phoenix design that gave this robe its name. I could not help but admire the artistry that went into each and every stitch. I could only guess at the value of such beauty. Despite my father’s status, I knew that he would be hard-pressed to be able to afford something such as this.
Thinking about my father at that moment made me want to cry. He was not here to see his only surviving child be crowned. My mother was dead, and my stepmother was not here either. As I gazed into the mirror, I felt truly alone. If An Mei was here, she would be helping me get dressed, speaking words to calm me down, and in general make me feel better about this day.
I felt as if I was being led to my own slaughter. Out there, I would fall under countless eyes. No doubt the nobles would whisper about me amongst themselves, about the Water Tribe woman that took the position that they felt should be given to their daughters or other female relatives. I knew that I would have many eyes upon me in court, like predators waiting for me to take a misstep so that they could jump on me and tear me to pieces. If I showed one moment of weakness, one chink in the shield that I was trying to build around myself, no doubt there would be someone waiting to stab through it. I could already feel it in the air, an ominous cloud hovering over me.
It was as if a noose had been placed around my neck, and at this moment, I could feel it tighten. My hand fluttered to my neck.
“Is something wrong, my lady?” Hana asked as she checked my hair again to make sure it was arranged properly. I looked down and shook my head.
“This is supposed to be a glorious day, my lady. Why do you not rejoice?” she asked. I said nothing. Hana took her hands away from my hair and stared at my reflection, patiently waiting my reply.
“You know I am here to listen to you, and I will reveal none of your secrets. I am sure that if you spoke of your worries, you would feel better, my lady?” she offered.
I genuinely liked Hana. She was a good attendant, and answered any questions I had. She had a subtle way of teaching me and pointing things out, so that I did not feel so much of a student as I did her mistress and I appreciated her for that. There had been a subtle but steady rapport between us from the first moment we met, and that was especially fortuitous for both of us, for it guaranteed me her trust and loyalty. Without her, I would have a harder time adjusting here. Nevertheless, was one thing she could not help me with.
“I am just nervous.” I replied. She squeezed my shoulder. How had the other women who had worn this robe felt? How did Aila feel as this robe was placed on her and she went to become Azulon's Lady?

o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko

I stood in front of my mirror and calmly gazed at my reflection. Today was the day that my wife was to be crowned Fire Lady, a day I thought had been lost to me when Katara died. No doubt that I had been offered plenty of women worthy of marriage; the daughters of high-ranking houses from all three nations, but I had no desire to share my throne with woman that I did not love.
Today she would finally become my queen. I was eager to see her in the Phoenix Robes. Part of me wanted to rush to her apartment and see how she looked and how she was faring.
I took a deep breath, steadying my thoughts. I would be seeing her soon enough. I glanced at the mirror and smirked. I was pleased with how the Dragon Robes turned out. I had on dark leather boots and loose black pants. Over that, I wore deep crimson silk, the same color as my wife’s robes. Along the edges were black and gold, and with red and gold embroidery, dragons and flames making their proud way along my robe. My hair was pulled back and my crown gleamed from the polish it had just received.
My tailor did one last check to make sure everything fit properly before he bowed and stepped back a pace.
“I am pleased.” I stated simply and he beamed before bowing again. I did indeed look regal and I liked how the robes fit me and suited my appearance. If not for my scar, I would have looked just like my father had done on his own coronation, wearing these same exact robes. And I am sure that I looked like my grandfather on his own coronation day as well. Even though I was already Fire Lord, I felt that Katara's coronation warranted wearing the Dragon Robes a second time in my life. I wondered how Katara would look upon me.
There was a gentle knock on the door and I nodded to the tailor. He opened the door to reveal Ging Lei. She bowed to me before delivering her report.
“The Lady is just about done with her preparations. The head of the kitchen reports that all the food for tonight’s banquet is being prepared and everything is going well. Security reports that all men are in position and all of the personal guards and sedans are ready. The crowds are already gathering outside. The fireworks are set in place, and already some booths are being set up for tonight’s celebrations.”
I nodded, pleased with her efficiency. She had been around ever since I had been a child, although she had started out as a simple maid. I was satisfied with how she ran the household and managed the various departments. She knew where to save money, where to spend it, and how many servants were needed, never hiring any more than necessary. This I knew because I placed final approval on all of the budgets.
“Very good, Ging Lei. Have tea and some fruit brought up.” I ordered. She bowed and left.
In almost an hour, the coronation would commence. I could feel my heart beating in my chest almost as if I was a child again. I closed my eyes to calm myself. Today, my life would become complete. I already had a powerful kingdom, a healthy heir, and men at my side that I could trust. These were nice things to have and it did give my life meaning and purpose. I had worked hard to serve my Nation and guide its destiny.
Yes, I had worked hard to make my life as fulfilling as it could but it remained incomplete. Now I would have the last piece to make it whole… Katara.

o0o0o0o
Katara

The fact that the stars were auspicious did not do much to allay me. I had gone to meet them the third day after my arrival. The Sages were respectful to me, and the head Sage, a old man named Shyu, had been especially kind to me as he did my reading. He told me that the Sages had known of me before my arrival, they had predicted that my husband had a very great blessing come to him.
My birthday, along with my husband’s and several other bits of information, had been given to the Fire Sages, who had done the calculation and predictions, and declared the match auspicious. It had surprised me, for I was almost certain that they would declare it unlucky in an attempt to discourage my husband from crowning me Fire Lady. But Shyu really was a nice person.
Because of the abruptness of the Fire Lord’s decision in taking me as his bride, many of the usual courtship rituals had been tossed aside. My father and I both received gifts from Zuko, but he asked for none in return other than my father’s blessings, and to continue his business connections to strengthen trading with the Fire Nation.
As my mother was dead and many of my father’s relatives were distant, the issue of my family was nonexistent, so we already signed our marriage contract and had a wedding feast at his house. The Fire Lord, besides his son, was the only Royal here, aside from distant relatives. I would be formally introduced to Court after my crowning. At least I did not have problematic relatives to contend with. I had heard stories of brides who had gotten unpleasant parents-in-law among other things.
In a way, it was a relief to forgo some of the customs. But I had made sure to follow at least one. In Omashu, An Mei had helped me buy gifts for my husband after we had gained permission for me to leave the house. They were few but valuable and I did hope that he would appreciate them. I also had a packet that I was to take to my wedding bed – several pieces of high-quality absorbent rice paper to offer to my husband when he was done with me, and one piece of white silk, to be used after I had lain with him, to prove my virtue.
The thought of tonight made me afraid. I wondered if I would gain any pleasure from it at all. His endowment was impressive and I almost felt that it was a sword that might rend me in half. My thoughts were quickly turned into another direction as I heard a knock.
“Who’s there?” I called out. It was Kamas, so I nodded to Hana to admit him. He opened the door to my front room, and I turned to greet him. To my surprise, the Prince was accompanying him. Both of them bowed to me.
“Good morning, Kamas. Good morning, Kuzon.” I said softly. I knew there was still a bit of time to go before the coronation.
“I want some tea and almond dumplings.” I ordered. It would be a while before the wedding feast and I knew that I needed something in my stomach. And no doubt that Kuzon also would appreciate having a snack.
“Right away, my lady.” Hinode bowed before she took her leave. I sighed softly and sat on my sofa.
“Be seated.” I commanded, waving my arm. The Prince came to me and gazed at me for a moment. I nodded and he smiled at me before he climbed up to sit next to me. Kamas sat in one of the armchairs.
My parlor was outfitted with exquisite furniture. There was the lavish sofa I sat on as well as several armchairs. The low table was made of rich mahogany inlaid with gold along the edges in a design of flowing flames, along with plump red cushions for seating. The area rug was a thick and deep red color as were the wall hangings. On one wall was a splendid mirror, framed in gold that was worked in a lotus design. In my bedchamber was another mirror, larger and more ornate. In this room was also a mahogany armoire, a chest that could also double as a table to set things on, and a beautifully painted folding screen. Despite all the furniture, it did not feel so crowded since the apartment was so large.
It almost felt as if this place was my own little world, as it was not easily accessible. I had almost gotten lost trying to return to my apartment the first time I had left it. To add to the security of the private apartments of the Royal Family, one had to navigate a seeming maze of hallways and suites to find the living areas that belonged to the Fire Lord and to me.
“How have you been, my lady?” Kamas asked kindly. I merely shrugged.
“As well as I could be.” I replied softly. He nodded.
“I trust that Hana is a good companion?” he asked. I quickly nodded.
“Yes. I like her a lot. She is teaching me all the important things.” I said. He smiled a little.
“Hana likes you as well.” he commented. I raised my eyebrow.
“I do not jest, my lady. I asked her myself. I tell you only the truth.” Kamas explained. It felt nice to know.
“I trust that you are settled in?” he asked.
“Yes. I am… comfortable and am getting to know the people here.” I said before I looked down at Kuzon. As I had promised him, I came to see him again, yesterday and the day before. He had walked me around more of the grounds and I saw for myself just how big the Palace grounds were.
Whenever we stepped outside, a servant immediately came up to us to ask if we wanted a litter or palanquin. I would glance down at Kuzon and he would shake his head. It was clear that he preferred to romp about when he was outside. I could imagine that being shut away inside for his lessons gave him a lot of pent up energy. I myself was glad for the walks and looked forward to the exercise. It let me see more of the grounds and get some sunlight. Gardens, orchards, ponds, temples, various buildings such as the silkworm farms, the tannery, the blacksmith, the craft shops, the herb farms. I felt overwhelmed from the walk even though I had only seen a part of the grounds. I knew there was much I had yet to see and learn.
“I see that the Prince has taken to you.” Kamas remarked with a knowing tone. I raised my eyebrow, wondering what he was getting at.
“It gladdens my heart to see that you and the Prince are getting along, truly it does. I can see that he is delighted to be around you, and your own behavior tells me that you appreciate his company.”
I had to hold back a smile. Yes, I liked being around Kuzon. How could I not, when he was a delightful child who made it clear to me that he liked having me around? He looked handsome in the outfit that I knew had been made for today. It was dark red silk, with flames and a single dragon along the hem and opening of the robe. He wore black trousers and dark leather boots, and his hair was pulled back neatly with a red silk band.
Hinode returned with a tray containing teacups, a teapot, and a plate of the treat I asked for. She set it on the table and bowed before awaiting further instructions. I pointed to the chest, upon which were all of my presents for my groom. Upon unpacking them, I wrapped them in red paper and signed them so my husband would know whom these were from.
“Take these to the Fire Lord’s chambers.” I stated. She nodded, gathering the presents carefully before leaving.
I sighed softly, rubbing my forehead a little. My nerves were on edge and all I wanted to do was go back home.
“What’s wrong, my lady?” Kuzon peered at me with concern.
“I am homesick. I feel sad and afraid.” I replied bluntly. Kuzon blinked and tugged at my hand.
“I won’t let you get lost or scared.” he replied. I sighed softly and looked away, trying to fight back tears.
“Everything will be fine.” Kuzon tried to reassure me, tugging at my hand again.
“How do you know?” I asked as I turned back to him.
“Because I know so.” Kuzon stated confidently. I gently stroked his hair, grateful for his effort to cheer me up.
“Thank you.” I answered softly. I sighed and rose from the seat, going to the window and looking outside. I could see the city and ocean from here. Kuzon tagged after me, tugging at my sleeve.
“I do not want to go out there.” I said in a soft but firm voice.
“My lady…” Kamas said, clearly getting ready to say something in an attempt to reassure me. I shook my head.
“You should know that, Kamas.” I replied as I glared at him.
“I know that you were… reluctant to come here. But, do you not enjoy it here? With the Fire Lord and the Prince? This is your home now.”
I said nothing as I shook my head and looked away, fighting back tears. No, this was not my home! I barely noticed the soft whimper and the gentle tugging at my sleeve as Kuzon made a bid for my attention. I didn't want to argue in front of an innocent child. He seemed surprised when I drew him into a hug. He stiffened at first but then he relaxed and as I hugged him, I rubbed his back gently. He laid his head on my shoulder and I continued holding him.
When I let go and drew to my feet he looked up at me, clearly wanting another hug. I could not help but smile.
“Why don’t you look out the window and see the magnificent view while I talk with Lady Miumi?” Kamas asked. Kuzon nodded and drew away from me, gazing out at what was spread before him.
I glanced at him calmly, deciding to speak first before he could say anything. I knew he was going to say something in an attempt to soothe me.
“I do blame you and the Fire Lord for all of this.”
“The Fire Lord does care about you and has treated you well. As for me? You think that blaming me for anything will change things?” he asked. I stared at him, clenching my jaw.
“Here you will have far more than the King of Omashu or any other man could or most importantly, would ever offer you. Enki doesn't hold any real love in his heart nor is he capable of it. Your husband, on the other hand, does.”
“And what makes you say Enki does not have love in his heart and Zuko does?”
“The King of Omashu is petty and selfish. His first concern is for himself and he holds no room in his heart for anyone who does not agree with him. Sooner or later your personality and his would have come into conflict and he would have cast you out. His affections are fleeting. The Fire Lord respects your opinion and personality, and he cherishes them. He will always care for you.”
I closed my eyes for a moment and held back a soft groan.
“And so that is why I have the honor of being his wife, because I am different than the meek and boring concubines he has had before.” I shot out sarcastically, knowing I was skirting a fine line with that insult. Kamas simply glanced at me calmly. Nothing ever seemed to ruffle him, and the stubborn streak in me desired to provoke him to see what would happen.
“No. You have the honor of being his wife because he saw something special in you, something that called out to him. Yes, this coronation is sudden and you were… brought here under what might be considered less than optimal circumstances. Nevertheless, I know that he would never hurt or discard you. I have never seen him look at any other women the way he looks at you. That should give you a peace of mind, my lady, and with that, acceptance of this situation.”
I sighed softly and looked away, fighting back tears.
“I will not apologize for telling the truth, my lady. You expect me to be honest with you and that is what I have done.”
“I want to go home!” I almost screamed, wanting to lunge at him, “I have no desire to come out and be gawked at.”
“If they stare at you, it is only because they've never seen one as beautiful as you.”
“I am in no mood for flattery.” I replied coldly.
“I am not trying to flatter you. You are a exotic woman, and it is expected that you will catch their attention not just because of that, but because you will become the most powerful woman in the Nation.”
I sighed softly, taking a deep breath, collecting myself as I took some tea and sipped it. A gong sounded, and I looked up, knowing this meant the ceremony was going to start soon, and I would need to get into my palanquin.
“Try to smile and fight back the nervousness you feel, Lady Miumi. Rejoice in what you have and will be getting. Your Lord awaits you, and I know that this day means a lot to him.”
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Kiss of Fire