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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.

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Kiss of Fire

Chapter Eleven – A New World

I forgot to tell you in the last chapter… Ging Lei is Chinese for manager. It’s kind of like ‘El Jefe’ – the popular term that Mexicans would call their managers or bosses, since Ging Lei runs the household (or Palace-hold in this case?) She has the physical appearance and stern demeanor as the female teacher from 'The Headband', since they're cousins (do you remember this nice little tidbit from Slow Heat?) Shyu was the monk from the Avatar Roku’s Temple episode that helped the Avatar He was such a nice character that I figured once he became Fire Lord, Zuko would make him Head of the Sages. Hinode and Hinoiri is Japanese for 'sunrise' and 'sunset', respectively.
My review rate dropped a while ago, and FFN has recently tweaked and updated its alert system, so check your alerts to make sure that you have story/author alerts enabled. Apparently when they did the tweak, the alerts were switched over to a default setting of 'no' and this was done without people's knowledge, so that would explain why people were not being alerted to the updates in Slow Heat and Kiss of Fire or why I have not received alerts of my own (great going, dumb FFNet jackasses) Also, be sure to tell your friends to check their alerts, and complain to FFNet about this stupid mistake they made.
If you enjoy this story, please do not forget to leave a review, as it is literally my lifeblood and it is what keeps me going. I know lots of people read this, so I would love to know what you think/felt. More reviews mean faster updates. Thanks to all the people who do leave reviews, I love you guys.

o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko

The coronation was underway. Already several firecrackers had popped somewhere in the crowd, most likely by accident. I looked around calmly. Behind me, the Palace and its walls loomed. I looked down, seeing the crowds and the city before me. Guards were peppered throughout the crowd, some in their armor, which included the skull-faced helmets, while others had been instructed to wear plainclothes. Along the edge of the podium, more of my men were stationed. The only people up here with me were the Fire Sages, several of my advisers, and my son who had arrived just moments ago. I turned towards the doorway to the podium when I heard footsteps and my pulse quickened. Through the shadows I could see the palanquin, draped in red.
I waited patiently, my heart pounding as its bearers set it down carefully. Two guards bowed and opened the curtain while Kamas approached the vehicle. He held out his hand and I saw a darker hand emerge.
My breath caught in my throat as my bride stepped out of the shadows, the sunlight falling on her. She looked exquisite in the Phoenix robes, although a certain part of me whispered to me that she would look even better without. Her head sparkled with the gold and jewels that adorned her hair.
She slowly approached me, keeping her head high, but I saw the fear in her eyes. Gracefully she fell to her knees, kowtowing before me as the custom demanded in all public appearances.
After she rose, I nodded to the Sages. The ceremony would now begin.
Kamas stepped forward. As my right-hand man, it was his honor to announce, and he had a loud and clear voice most suited for the part. He stepped into view and approached the megaphone that was set up at the edge of the podium, and raised his hand, gesturing for silence. The chatter died down immediately before I stepped forward, and the crowds bowed. I braced myself for what I knew would be a long litany. I only tolerated it because it was a very special occasion.
“It is my honor to announce His Imperial Majesty, by grace of Agni, Fire Incarnate, King of Kings, Beloved of the Gods, Master of all He Surveys, Dragon Monarch, the Hand of Agni, The Lightning of the Gods, Keeper of the Eternal Flame, Messiah of the Unquenchable Flame, Ruler of all the Sun Touches, Bringer of Peace and Harmony, Defender of the Faith of Agni, Conqueror of all His Enemies, Holder of the Dragon Throne, the Supreme Judge and Lawgiver, Father of his Nation, Infinite blessings on His name!”
After Kamas fell silent, the cheers rose as the throngs got back to their feet. I let this go on for several moments before I raised my hand for silence. I never liked being the center of attention and longed for the ceremony to go as quickly as possible. I nodded and my son came forward to stand at my side, just a step behind.
“His Royal Highness, Heir of the Throne, the Rising Sun, Future Lord and Master, the Crown Prince Kuzon, second of his name." Kamas announced and my son bowed his head slightly.
He then moved off to one side, standing near the Sages, and my wife came forward. She looked as if she might faint, and I prayed to Agni that she would not. It was not that I did not care for her welfare, but I knew that if she did faint, it would make a poor impression on the crowds and the consequences would be heavy. The last thing my wife needed was gossip about her.
However, I relaxed when I saw her eyes. I did see fear, but also strength and determination. I waited patiently as she came forward. She stared into my eyes for a fleeting moment before dropping to her knees.
“I, Miumi of the Water Tribe do become your liege woman of life and limb, and of earthly worship; and faith and truth I will bear unto you, to live and die at your command. I am your humble servant, my Lord, and do swear to serve you and no one else.” my bride said loudly as the Sages and my son looked on.
Shyu stepped forward. He was the head Fire Sage, and despite his age, walked with a firm step. I nodded at him. He was the one who would place the crown on her head. She rose to her feet to face the crowds and descended a step.
“I am pleased to announce her Ladyship, the Light of our Lord, Lady of Infinite Virtue, Rose of the Fire Nation, Vessel of the Phoenix, Consort of His Majesty!”
She stood silently as Shyu placed the crown on her head. The crowds descended into a bow. I watched this all silently. She did not move at all and stared out at the kowtowed masses before her. I wished I could see her face and take in her reaction.
After several moments, I raised my hand, and a gong was struck. The crowds came back to their feet. Shyu turned back to me and bowed to me. I was glad that I had appointed him head of the Fire Sages. I knew several of the Sages did not approve of the Waterbender, but Shyu kept them in check. When I had become Fire Lord, I had pulled him out of the dungeons that my sire and Zhao had incarcerated him to after Avatar Roku’s temple collapsed and after a few years, promoted him to Head of the Fire Sages here in Sozun. As such, he was one of my advisers, presiding over the religious activity and all the temples in the city.
All of the Fire Sages bowed to me and I gently touched my wife’s sleeve. She looked up at me and I jerked my head slightly, indicating she was to come with me. She said nothing as she bowed to me again, and I offered her my hand. She rested her small hand lightly in mine, and my eyes moved along her body again, taking it all in – the elegant phoenix robe, the crown, the way she stood tall despite her fear.
Katara was finally my wife, and my Queen. Just as things were meant to be, even if it was a long time in coming.
The fireworks shot up into the air.

o0o0o0o
Katara

I was glad to be away from the crowds. There were no words for the overwhelming panic I had felt to see all of these people, and to see so much red – all the banners waving and everyone wearing clothes of varying shades of the same color. It had taken all of my strength to not scream or faint as I had swore allegiance to my lord in front of the throngs. After the coronation, I was placed in the Fire Lord’s large palanquin, while Kuzon rode in the one I had previously been in.
I closed my eyes, trying to find some peace as the palanquin moved forward. My husband sat next to me and I felt his hand on mine, but I said nothing. It took all of my strength to hold back my tears, for I was just overwhelmed by everything. I was glad that I had been able to remain calm and recite what I had been taught to say. I had rehearsed it with Kamas and Hana.
Our next destination was the Hall of Agni. The title itself was misleading, for it was not actually a building to worship the Spirit of Fire. It was a memorial to the Fire Lord’s ancestors, and the title was because it was believed that the line of Fire Lords came from the seed of Agni himself, and ever since then, the line had been unbroken. This meant that if it was true – which I would not disprove – Zuko himself was descended from Agni. It was not too hard to believe, with the fire that burned behind his eyes and the power that exuded from his form.
We were here to pay respects to the ancestors and to Agni himself, and Zuko would present me to them. I could not help but wonder if Agni or one of the previous Fire Lords would come out and speak against my presence.
The palanquin moved along the grounds and the men carrying it were so well trained that the ride went smoothly. I wanted to lean my head back but feared that would loosen the bun and knock the crown, jeweled pins, and fire lilies out of place. Slowly I raised my hand, seeking out the crown. I had not seen it when I was crowned and had no idea what it looked like, but I could guess that it was a smaller version of the one my husband wore.
When I touched the comb, I found that I was correct. It was shaped into a flame but with two less tips on it than the Fire Lord’s crown – his was a nine-pointed flame, a number that only the Fire Lord could wear, while mine had seven points, a number reserved for the Fire Lady. I was now officially Fire Lady. It was hard to believe. I folded my hands back in my lap and stared ahead at the sheer red silk drapes that made the front of the palanquin. I could see the outline of everything outside since it was so sunny, and I saw the silhouette of one of the buildings on the Palace grounds loom before me.
The palanquin stopped and was carefully lowered. I emerged to get an unobstructed view of the building. It was octagonal, and several stories high, each ascending level slightly smaller than the one that preceded it.
It was clear that the grounds around here were sacred. The palanquin had stopped in front of a gate, and the ground the temple was built on was set away from the rest by a low wall. Kuzon and me had passed it and he seemed almost afraid of the place when I asked him what it was, telling me that no one could go in there without the Fire Lord's permission.
I looked back to see the guards and the bearers bowing deeply. Zuko waved his hand, letting them rise, and Kuzon was helped out of his own palanquin. He blinked as he looked at the temple, but said nothing as he bowed.
The Fire Lord turned and walked through the gate. No one followed, and my apprehension increased as we walked into the Hall of Agni.
It was dark inside, but the Fire Lord formed a flame in his hand, and the inside seemed to jump out at me. The first floor seemed to be empty but for dragon statues and decorations, but I saw a staircase. He led me up it to a pair of closed doors, and he drew a key out of his robes.
After he lit several lanterns, I gasped softly when I saw what surrounded me. Lined along the walls, forming an almost complete circle, were pictures and small shrines under each. I turned back to the Fire Lord, and saw a large shrine to the Fire Spirit behind him.
“All of the Fire Lords that have ever been.” my husband said as he waved his arms around the large and circular room. Pillars of steel held up the ceiling, with ornate gold work along the tops and bottoms of the bases.
“Go on, look.” Zuko whispered. I took a hesitant step towards the wall.
Near the right of the shrine to Agni, was a faded painting. I could barely make it out, but I knew it was the first Fire Lord. I could not help but wonder when it was made, if it had been done during this man’s lifetime or after. Several of the pictures that came after it looked old as well and I peered closer, seeing that they were done by the same artist. I glanced at the mini shines below the pictures, they told of the names of the Fire Lords, the dates of their lifetimes and reigns, and the wondrous deeds they had done. This truly was a long line, as the First Fire Lord, Azaryu, was born well over a thousand years ago. Some of the Fire Lords had longer epitaphs than others.
The Fire Lord was silent as I made my way along the wall, making a slow circuit around the room. Some of the Fire Lords looked peaceful, even benevolent in their paintings. Others looked fierce or cruel. These men had been painted at various stages in their lives. Some looked young and fierce and I saw the clear resemblance to Zuko. Others were older, with long white hair, but looking dignified. But then, of course, I wouldn't expect a painting in here that made a Fire Lord look ugly or illustrated his flaws. That gave me pause. Would Zuko's painting here have his scar, or would the artist neglect to paint it, to give the Fire Lord a better image for his descendants?
There were female Fire Lords, much to my delight, but very few and far between.
I paused as I came before Fire Lord Sozin’s shrine. His shrine was the most impressive of all, with a long listing, and the painting that had been done of him was clearly done to put him in the best light possible. Whoever had done it was a master painter. I wished the light were better so I could see the paintings more, as the temple was like a vault. The air was musty, though not overwhelmingly so.
Sozin’s picture was framed with more gold than the others in a far more elaborate and bold design. His shrine had more gold on it, and the litany made him sound like a god. I looked over my shoulder at my husband. His expression was unreadable.
I quickly moved on to Fire Lords Azulon and Ozai. Sozin's son too had been listed with many accomplishments because of what he had done for the war. After Ozai came Iroh, and I glanced at it curiously. I had heard the stories of the Dragon of the West.
“My lord?” I asked as I gestured to the painting of the kindly-looking man. He nodded as if he expected my question.
“He was never Fire Lord… but he deserved a place here. I ordered that a place be set for him in the Hall of Agni, for he was more than worthy.” Zuko stated as he stared at me. He looked at the painting for several moments then at me again. “If he were still around, he would be happy to have you here.” the Fire Lord said, his expression softening just a little.
I would come to learn that Iroh had been very beloved by his nephew, and not without good reason.
“Come.” the Fire Lord beckoned and I turned towards him. As we approached the dragon statue, I looked over my shoulder one last time. The painting of Iroh showed him to be a calm-looking man, one that exuded a quiet majesty. But in my mind I saw a large smile on his face and a cup of tea in his hand. I blinked and shook my head.
“On your knees.” he ordered. I slowly sunk to my knees, my hands folded in my lap. He moved to the altar in front of the dragon and pulled out a short stick of incense.
After it was lit, he sat beside me, his hands in his lap just as it was for me. I did not dare speak, and I stared ahead blankly, taking a slow but deep breath. I could not figure out what the scent of the incense was, but it was pleasant. The flame in front of the dragon flickered and I stared at it, transfixed. I had no idea how much time had passed but I felt an incredible sense of calm. Was this what Zuko felt when he meditated?
I closed my eyes, letting my mind drift off. The incense smoke followed into my mind, giving me hazy images. I saw Iroh, and a younger Zuko, and also the Avatar, and a blind Earthbender, and...
I felt a hand on mine and gasped softly, my eyes fluttering open. I feared that I had incurred my husband’s wrath by drifting off, but he had a calm expression on his face. I saw that the incense was burned out, we had been here for quite a while. He rose to his feet and offered me his hand.

o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko

I knew that I had made the right choice. Agni approved of it. I only wished my uncle was still around, I knew he would welcome Katara warmly, and he would have put her at ease.
We were back in my palanquin and my wife stared off silently. It saddened me that she was not enjoying her coronation day as much as I was. I know she was nervous, but this was too much.
“Look at me.” I whispered. She slowly turned her head to look at me and I gazed into her eyes, longing to find the right thing to say to calm her. My fingers touched her chin and I closed the distance between us, taking her lips with my own. She stiffened for a moment before relaxing and I continued the kiss, sucking on her lower lip gently. When I broke the kiss, her eyelids fluttered a little. In the distance, I could hear the fireworks. I continued to stroke her hand, knowing this would soothe her, and it did.
Next, we sat for the royal portrait, the windows in the studio thrown open wide to give the royal painter the full advantage of sunlight as he captured our images on silk. I stole a glance at Katara, sitting there, looking as dignified as she could. I smiled at her, and she blushed and looked away. There were no words to describe the satisfaction I felt when I saw the painting. The painter had done a superb job, and I was thrilled to have an official royal portrait of the two of us.
By the time the session was over, my stomach rumbled hungrily, and we went to the dining hall for the feast. The long surface of the banquet table was covered with many gourmet dishes and the finest of eating ware. The guest list had been kept short. It was comprised of my advisers, some of the more important members of my staff, and a few nobles that were trusted allies.
She and I took the head of the table. Kamas sat at my left while Kuzon took my wife’s right. Throughout the meal, my wife and I were peppered with congratulations and blessings. She would give whoever said it a gracious thank you, but I could see that her heart was not into it. I held back a sigh, hoping dearly that she would come to enjoy being Fire Lady, and more importantly, being my wife. I sent out a silent prayer that Katara would come out of her shell.
There was a covered dish within my reach, saved for the end of the meal. I knew what was underneath it, and when I finished my food I glanced around, seeing that everyone else was almost if not finished with their own meals. I had eaten lightly, knowing a full stomach was not good for what was to come. Though some of my guests freely took of the sake or plum wine, I only had tea.
Jeong Jeong had been silent through most of the festivities. He had given us a simple toast near the beginning but nothing else. I was not angry with him, for I knew he was not a man for flattery or unnecessary words. He was a valuable adviser, and I relied on his wisdom. Under him, I knew that my son was doing well in his Firebending, no one could ask for a better teacher. I had shared with Jeong Jeong what I had learned from the Sun Warriors, and it gave him a new clarity in Firebending, he was able to enjoy it once again.
He glanced at my wife calmly when I uncovered the volcano cake. There were separate cakes for the guests, but my wife and I would taste of ours first.
“May that volcano cake and all the ones you eat in the future always be sweet!” Shyu toasted us with a smile. I nodded in appreciation.
“If I may say something, my Lord.” Jeong Jeong asked. I knew he had something other than a toast or blessing in mind. I nodded, and he stared at me. Rarely did he ever smile, and sometimes his words could come out as harsh even though he said them with good intentions.
“Through the last two decades and even before that, you have proven your character time and time again. Agni himself would be proud of you and I know that he has smiled upon you since birth, despite what… other people have said.”
I stared at him thoughtfully. Yes. I had often heard from my own sister and my father, among others, that I had been lucky just to be born.
“By working hard for what you have, you appreciate it. And you expect the best. I know that many have pressured you to find a Lady, but you wanted the best match. And what is better for yang than it’s yin?” Jeong Jeong asked. I remained silent, but not in disapproval. My proverbial yin stared at him with curiosity.
“Infinite blessings to your Majesty, and to your wife.” Jeong Jeong concluded, bowing his head to me.
“Thank you, Grandfather.” I said, using the title I rarely used. A smile flickered across his lips before he turned his attention to my wife.
“Your… words are most generous. Many thanks for your blessings.” she said softly before inclining her head.
Sun and moon, fire and water, day and night, man and woman. Yes, the comparison of Yang and Yin worked well, I mused to myself. We completed the meal with no further words, and we were blessed again by the guests as they took their leave. In no time, my wife and I remained, along with Kamas and Kuzon.
“Good night, my Lord.” Kuzon said as he bowed to me. He turned to my wife and started to say good night to her and to my surprise, she fell to her knees. I held back a curious stare as she held out her arms. He smiled and went into them.
“Good night, Kuzon.” she said softly as she looked down at him. He smiled more brightly.
“I… I am glad that you’re here, Lady Miumi. I like having you around.”
She smiled then placed a kiss on his forehead. I felt a tug inside, a brief flash of my own mother passing through my mind. I quickly shook myself free of that memory.
“Good night, Kuzon.” I stated simply, my message clear. She relinquished her hold on Kuzon and he glanced at her one last time before bowing to me.
He left with Kamas and I turned back to my wife. Soon, very soon, I would take her in the way that would seal our union. I took her hand and drew her close, placing a deep kiss on her lips. When I broke it, her eyelids fluttered and she looked up at me. I responded with a smirk. I was tempted to take her right now, to not let her go to her apartment to prepare.
I slowly let go of her hand.
“My Waterbender.” I whispered softly. She blushed slightly. “Your Lord eagerly awaits you.” I added with a smirk, and she looked down. A guard escorted her to her apartment.
I meditated for several moments, trying to take control of the lust that raged within. I had no desire to frighten her or go too fast. I wanted the fire to remain steady. There would be time to let it intensify later on.

o0o0o0o
Katara

When I came to my apartments, everything was ready. Hana had the bathtub full of steaming water, with everything needed folded or laid out neatly near it – towels, a bathrobe, a comb, washcloths and soaps. I let out a slow sigh, closing my eyes as I inhaled the faint scent of rubyjasmine.
Hana helped me with my formal clothing, carefully folding the ornate garment and setting it aside, before pulling the pins out of my hair one by one. In due time I had on nothing but my underclothes.
I stripped behind the screen and stepped into the tub before Hana moved forward to shampoo my hair. Tonight, I was supposed to consummate with Zuko. My heart was pounding at the thought even though at least I had gotten to see Zuko naked and we had touched one another. Sylid had also examined me, to ensure that I was in good health, but fortunately, I was not subject to a pelvic exam to prove my 'honor' since I was already married. How surprised he would have been!
When Hana was done with my hair, she bowed out of the room, and I washed myself. When I was done, I pulled on a fluffy red bathrobe, and called for Hana. She led me to my dressing room.
“Your first night as Fire Lady, how exciting!” Hana smiled at me. Behind us stood Hinode, a young woman of fifteen years old. She and her twin, Hinoiri, had been raised in Kamas and Peony's household, their mother was the maid. Peony didn't have need for two extra servants, but didn't want to hire out one or the other to just anybody. Fortunately, the fact that I was here gave her the opportunity to place one of the twins in a good home, and since I was friends with Peony, Hinode could keep in contact with her mother and sister, and have the safety of being a personal servant of the Fire Lady.
It would be Hinode's responsibility to make sure my rooms were clean, my laundry done, and when I was retired in my apartment, it would also be her duty to make sure that I had meals delivered quickly, or anything else I needed. Ging Lei had too much responsibility to personally oversee me on a permanent basis, so Hinode would be the one to direct other servants to do what she did not do herself for my personal comfort. Hana and Ging Lei were training her, and so far she was doing well. She also knew funny jokes, so was able to cheer me up when I needed it.
Hana moved aside, and Hinode combed and placed my hair in a bun. She was also being trained to help me with basic wardrobe needs such as doing my hair or helping me with formal clothing. Hana came into sight with a blue robe in her hands, its color the same as my eyes.
“Traditionally, a Fire Lady wears a crimson robe on her first night in that position, but the Fire Lord has requested that the robe be blue.”
I changed into this behind the screen. It was definitely not a robe for public wear, as it clung to my curves and was of a thin silk.
“The robe matches your eyes. You look lovely in it, my lady.” Hinode said.
“Thank you.” I replied softly. I stared in the mirror and had to admit that it was flattering. After wearing almost nothing but red since my arrival in Sozun, it felt nice to wear blue again. The silk was sheer, so sheer that my nipples were slightly visible under the fabric, and I tugged the collar of the robe to try to make it drape across my breasts more loosely so the nipples were not as visible.
“The Fire Lord awaits his Fire Lady.”
Just outside of my door was a small palanquin, one suited for indoor use. It appeared brand new, with intricately carved posts and luxurious silk drapes.
“A thousand years of longevity and happiness to you and His Majesty.” my two ladies in waiting chorused before I climbed into the vehicle. Hana bowed to me and gave me a pleasant smile before she drew the drapes shut.
Someone, most likely Hana, clapped her hands and I heard footsteps. Before I knew it, I was lifted up. My heart pounded and I fiddled with the tie of my robe, feeling the silk under my fingers.
The steps stopped, and my palanquin was set down. They receded, and a door closed. My heart pounded, knowing that I was now in the Fire Lord’s apartments. I bit back a soft whimper as I heard movement and a hand found the drapes, slowly pulling them open.
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Kiss of Fire