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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
- 13
- 14
- 15
Kiss of Fire
Chapter Fourteen – Degrees of Separation
I would like to thank Paige for coining the term 'ridiculously complicated', it fits Zuko so well. I would also like to thank my wonderful readers for enjoying this, and last but most certainly not least, the reviewers for taking their time to leave a review. And a heartfelt thank you in advance for leaving a review!
o0o0o0o
Katara
I do not know which day put more trepidation in my heart, my coronation, or this. I was to formally appear in Court for the first time. It would be my first time to be up close with the nobility and courtiers.
During my coronation, I had been set apart from the crowd, surrounded by guards. I would still be guarded now, but now I was open for interaction. I was nervous about it even though Hana and Peony had helped me. There were etiquette rules that applied to all of the nations, but these were mainly based off common sense. Hana had been instructing me in the rules that were unique to the Fire Nation, especially the nobility.
Her and Peony's advice was invaluable to me. I learned to bow the proper way according to my station, and what was expected of me in my role as Fire Lady. I was kept updated on what was fashionable to wear among the ladies of the nobility. I had been told quite a few important names and people. I had been given information on the history of the Nation, and how things went on here. I learned about acceptable topics of conversation in various situations. Hana wasn’t really a servant to me – she was an adviser and teacher, and Peony was my mentor.
I sat on my stool as Hana directed Hinode in doing my hair. She was knowledgeable on what was stylish in Court, and I was counting on her to help me make the appropriate fashion choices. All eyes would be on me, so I knew that every detail of my outfit was of the utmost importance. I usually dressed simply, and it was something my husband seemed to enjoy. Much of the robes in my wardrobe were fine silk, but without adornments, and I liked these best.
But these robes were not acceptable for Court wear or other such social functions. My hair was done, with my crown pinned firmly in place. I was already clad in my under-robes. There were three robes draped across the back of the sofa, awaiting my final decision.
“If I may suggest, I think you should choose the black and red one.” Hana stated, pointing to the second of the three robes. Hinode held each one up and I glanced at them all. It was not an easy decision, and all of the robes were too fancy for my tastes although they were lovely. I suppose that other women in Court would have found these robes better suited to their tastes.
“You have always given me sound advice. So I think I shall choose that robe.” I replied softly after several moments. Hana smiled a little and motioned to Hinode, who started to carefully fold the two other robes. She opened up my makeup kit and applied a limited amount to my face. My eyes were lined with a subtle hint of black, making my eyelashes seem thicker. Since my skin was so dark, the rouge that the Fire Nation noblewomen often used were useless on me, since it would not show unless a large amount was applied. But I had a bit of paint applied to my lips. When I looked in the mirror, I was actually pleased, and I let Hana know this. The make up was tastefully done.
“Women in Court tend to wear more make up than this, but it would not suit you.” Hana replied. She and Hinode helped me into the formal robe.
“I am lucky to have you to help me adjust to life here.” I said. Hana blushed and smiled a little.
“I am not worthy of such praise, my lady.” she murmured, bowing her head before helping me with my accessories. I was handed a fan that matched my robe, and slid it into my sleeve. I had a couple of other items in my sash, including a silk handkerchief.
I stared at my reflection. I was dressed just as lavishly as I had been for my coronation, and the makeup, however minimal it was, looked foreign to me. I felt troubled at my appearance. Where was Miumi of the Water Tribe? I was not meant to be consort to the most powerful man in the world.
“My lady…” Hana spoke, interrupting my thoughts, “The Fire Lord awaits.”
I sat in my palanquin silently as I was transported to the throne room. My heart was pounding, and I prayed to Tui and La to give me strength. For good measure, I also sent out a prayer to Agni, who according to my husband, approved of our union. It would look bad if I simply fainted in front of the audience.
My palanquin was set just outside of the entrance, and I heard soft murmurs as my presence was announced. With a racing pulse, I delicately stepped out, slipping down from the vehicle in the proper way as Hana had instructed me. I felt countless eyes on me and kept my chin high, stepping forward. I knew that every movement of mine was being watched and analyzed, so I was painfully aware of every little thing I did. My hands were folded neatly in front of me, hidden under my sleeves.
I walked down the room, taking in the crowds even as I kept my eyes forward. Everyone was dressed elegantly as was to be expected. Many of the women, especially the younger ones, were dressed even more ornately than I was, to almost the point of gaudiness and tackiness. Before me was my husband, seated in the golden Dragon Throne before a low wall of fire. I dropped to my knees, bowing before him and giving him the proper greeting and obeisance.
When I rose and turned to the crowd, they all bowed to me. It felt strange seeing them all do this for me, but I was silent. I gave a short nod of acknowledgment before I took my seat. There was a cushion set there for me, and I descended to it, folding my hands on my lap neatly. Only then did I let my eyes roam across the room. I could see some people whispering as they shot me glances, but I gave no indication that this bothered me. I had been expecting this, after all. A few of the young ladies looked jealous or angry as they looked over at me, although I saw this mostly in their eyes – openly frowning or scowling at me would be very inappropriate.
I sat calmly for what was to come. Hana told me that I would be offered gifts. Families would want to make themselves known to me, and to curry my favor since I was the most powerful woman in the Nation. And showing respect to me was showing respect for the Fire Lord as well. Frankly, I did not need more gifts, but I knew that to refuse this would be impolite.
The first person came forward.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
She looked beautiful, dressed appropriately but with an understated elegance that many of the Court ladies were lacking in.
I watched her silently as she came to court, bowed to me, and took her seat. It felt good to finally have a Lady at my side. Near her were her personal guard, in case someone in Court decided to try to harm her, though that was most unlikely. But I was not taking any chances. I also knew that there were noblemen unhappy with my decision, even if they had not voiced this to me. I was no fool and knew that taking a Water Tribe woman as my wife would cause ripples. Never in Fire Nation history had a Fire Lord married a woman that was not of his own element, much less a woman whose element was opposite his own. To have concubines of a different element was one thing, but to put such a woman in the position of Fire Lady...
The first noble came forward, a dignified-looking older man. I recognized him as Jin, head of the Niuhu clan. He was one of the noble families, but not one who got along on just inherited wealth. The Niuhu business was known for its fine silk, which it shipped the world over. While the Palace grounds had its own silkworm house, we got some of our silk from Niuhu, in lieu of some of their tax payment. It was a more than satisfactory arrangement, as their silk had more than earned its reputation as one of the best materials to use for clothing. Many of the robes that were being worn at this time in Court were made from Niuhu silk.
And so, I already guessed what his gift to my wife would be. He had a long bundle wrapped in red linen carried by two of his personal bearers, and he knelt before my wife, stating who he was and giving her greetings. She nodded and he lay the bundle down, unwrapping it to reveal seven bolts of silk, one in each color of the rainbow, drawing several impressed oohs and ahhs from the crowd. My wife thanked him graciously for the gift, and he bowed deeply. One of her guards came forward and removed the gift. Jin Niuhu bowed his head, giving my wife the proper salutation before returning to the crowd.
Another person came forward, this time a middle-aged woman, her salt-and-pepper hair up in a bun held by a red sash. She was Yinhe, the daughter of the head of the Yehe family. She bowed, stating who she was and her family name with all the appropriate courtesies. The clan Yehe was another old one, scattered through a few parts of the Fire Nation, and some of their relatives were distantly tied to my own line. Their support had been important to me upon my taking of the throne and I was glad to find that they supported peace. Their help had been invaluable and they were one of my biggest supporters, and this woman’s brother was one of my advisers.
The gift from the Yehe family was a set of folding screens. The frame was black lacquer, with painted silk making up the screens, depicting scenes of the ocean in brilliant hues of blue, white, silver, teal, and indigo, the paint protected by a layer of clear lacquer designed for silk. My wife thanked her graciously for the gift and she bowed, stepping back.
Other representatives lavished gifts upon my wife, clearly in a competition for hers and my favor. I wondered if some of them would be as generous if I was not there. Among the gifts were jewelry, robes, a few scrolls and old books, a painting, fans, and an exquisite dragon statue. But the last gift was shocking.
The representative that came forward was not much older than my wife, it seemed. She was gaudily dressed, her red satin robe glittering with gold threads and jewels. Her hair was done ornately, with ruby and gold pins and a large scarlet flower. When I heard her family name, I almost let out a snort of disdain. Clan Iyashii, one of the oldest Fire Nation families, but with little merit of their own now. They did not earn their money from an enterprise, like the Niuhu or other clans. Most of their wealth was inherited, and any money they made now was profit off the lands that they owned and rented out. They just sat back, letting the money roll in while they indulged themselves in the finer things that life had to offer. Several times, I had been offered women from their family, but I always politely declined.
I only tolerated them because they had supported me after I told them that times of peace would be more profitable for them than times of war.
Soft murmuring rose from the crowds as they parted. Bearers brought forward two ruby peacocks, and even I was a little surprised. The pair were presented to my wife.
Ruby peacocks were valuable, prized for the rich sheen of their red feathers, and the jewel-like quality of the feathers that made up their tails. On occasion, a woman might adorn her hair with a tail feather or two. Because of the value of such birds, I knew that they were trying very hard to curry favor. While I did not treat the family with open contempt or disdain, and some of them held decent positions within the city, they constantly sought higher positions. Well, I was not swayed by the birds.
The Iyashiis probably lost quite a bit of money by buying the peacocks, or giving up two of their own, for peacocks were notoriously difficult to breed. I noticed that both of the birds were male – the female birds did not have as colorful feathers. My wife gave most gracious thanks, and some of my guards went to the bearers, to place the birds in a more appropriate keeping place for the time being. I knew this gift would be talked about for a while.
I was glad the gifting was over, and Court turned to more important matters.
o0o0o0o
Katara
When I came to my husband’s suite that night, I saw that he was sitting at the low table, with tea and sweets set out. I was not very hungry, but I sat down across from him. I nibbled on an almond dumpling and looked down. I had no desire to spend more time in Court than what was absolutely required of me. Despite the throngs and the lavish offerings I had received – a peacock, or two, was the last thing I had expected to get – I felt truly alone. How could I ever be a part of their world? To them, I was the Water Tribe woman who had stolen the attention of the Fire Lord away from women that they felt were more deserving. Not only that, but I had become wife, instead of a concubine. A woman of Water held more power than all of these people of Fire. I could understand their anger at this, but what could I do?
I was not meant to be here, but my husband thought that I did. Just what was the bond between us? Why did he refuse to tell me about it? What was the secret?
“What is wrong?” I heard my husband ask as I sipped my tea. I looked down.
“Nothing.” I muttered.
“Then why do you look so sad?” he asked. I looked away.
“Tell me.” the Fire Lord ordered. I shook my head, feeling defiant. He was silent for several moments.
“Did something happen today?” he pressed. I refused to answer.
“Tell me!” he growled. I shook my head, refusing to make eye contact. I had no idea where my defiance came from, or why it would rear its head at odd times like this. But all I wanted at this moment was to be left alone.
Before I knew it, he had risen from his seat and was at my side, grabbing my shoulders and forcing me to my feet.
“You will tell me!” he stated in a no-nonsense tone.
“No I will not! You may own my body, but you have no control over my thoughts!” I snapped back at him.
“Look at me, Waterbender. I asked you what is wrong!” he whispered. I shook my head and continued looking down.
“I don’t belong here!” I screamed back at him, snapping my head up to look at him. He seemed taken aback, even surprised at my comment, which only angered me more.
“You know I did not want to come here! Your Court does not even want me here!” I cried out. He blinked then stared at me for a moment before his face softened just slightly.
“What the Court thinks does not matter. I am their Lord, and I guide the Nation with a good hand. I have more than earned the right to choose the wife I want, and I choose you. They have no say in it, and if anyone tries to hurt you, they will be punished.”
“I don’t care! I don’t belong here! It doesn’t matter if you punish them or not! They hate me!”
“Some people might not approve of my choice, but many have welcomed you here. What about Kamas, or Ging Lei or Sylid? Have you had any problems with the servants?” he asked. I hesitated. The servants had always obeyed my commands, but a few had shown they were mistrustful of my husband’s choice by the way they would glance at me.
“Well, no, but…”
“But what?”
“Some of the servants don’t want me here. And the same goes for your Court. I don’t want to be here. I want to go home!”
“This is your home.”
“It is not and it never will be!” I spitefully shrieked at him, trying to pull away.
“This is your home! You belong at my side! You are mine!” he roared back at me, making me think of a dragon.
“I am not yours! You forced me here and you will not even tell me why you desire me so much! I am frustrated of you… you keeping this secret from me!” I stated. I saw a furtive flicker in his eyes, and it only enraged me more. I screamed and threw myself at him.
He caught me, but instead of restraining me, he pulled me in for a deep kiss. I started to beat at him with my fists, but he simply deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding into my mouth. I bit it, and he drew back with a yelp.
“I don't know who the hell you think you are, Zuko, or what gives you the right to do this to me!”
“What are you talking about?”
“Just tell me who I am!” I demanded.
“You are my wife.” Zuko intoned calmly.
I have out a frustrated huff, my hands balling into fists. “No! I want to know what it is you know about me that I don't! You were so damned confident I would be the perfect wife and Fire Lady... it feels as if you already know me but that is impossible! At least, that's what logic tells me.” I narrowed my eyes. “But there's more to this, something that you're keeping from me, that you keep refusing to tell me.”
He approached me, and I took a step back, shaking my head. “I'm not letting you kiss me again!”
“Why?” he challenged.
“Because I'm tired of wondering what it is you're keeping from me. If you're going to keep something from me, then I am going to return the favor.” I retorted.
“... Is that so?” he asked with mild surprise in his tone. I nodded firmly.
“You told me that I was your mate, your equal, that you would consider no one else for that... honored position.”
“Yes, I did.”
“I can not feel that way as long as this... secret remains between us.”
Zuko gave out a low sigh, and I stared back at him, refusing to back down as I had before.
“You don't want to know.” he finally said.
“If I didn't want to know, I wouldn't be asking.”
“Why should it bother you so much? Do I not treat you well?”
Not even deigning a reply, I turned away. He reached out, grasping my wrist. I pulled away, turning back to him.
“I met you just a month ago, my lord. Yet sometimes I feel as if I have known you for much longer than that, and it is not a feeling that I can simply dismiss. And there is your own certainty about the... rightness of your choice in taking me as your wife. I know the Court thinks this was a spur of the moment decision, a foolish impulse that you will eventually regret...”
“Never.”
I smiled wryly at that. “Somehow, I don't doubt that. And that surprises me, to be honest. And there is a reason for that. I want to know why I feel that way, and why you insist on keeping me in the dark about this. You’re my husband and… and I want to have a good relationship with you. Whatever it is, please tell me!”
“I want a good relationship as well. I love and care for you deeply, and we share a bond that very few ever do. We are meant for it. That is how it is. Accept it. Don’t fight the feeling.” he replied firmly.
“So what, you’re going to keep this a secret from me for the rest of my life?”
“That’s not how it is.”
“Then tell me. I can take it! Trust me.” I pleaded.
Pain flashed across his face before he looked away.
“No. No, I can't. I'm afraid it would hurt you.”
“What do you mean?” I asked. “Did you hurt me before?”
“No!” His eyes widened as he looked back at me. “No, it's not like that. But... I just... I can't. You probably wouldn't believe me. You'd think I was crazy or something.”
“Do you presume to read my mind now?” I snapped back, and I saw him wince.
“Of course not!” He turned up his palms in a placating way. “I'm not doing this to try to have leverage over you or anything like that. I just think it's best to leave it alone.”
“At least tell me… is it a bad? Have I done something wrong?” I asked. He shook his head firmly.
“No. No. Never think that. You never did anything wrong.” he whispered fiercely, grabbing my shoulders and pulling me in for a hug.
“Just trust me.” he whispered. I looked away before pulling back. He couldn't trust me, but he was asking me to trust him? Ha!
o0o0o0o
Zuko
“Good night.” she replied stiffly before she climbed into her side of the bed, keeping her back to me as she curled up. I waved my hand, the lamps going out and casting the room into darkness with moonlight as its sole illumination.
I climbed onto the bed, propping myself up on my elbow and looking down at her. Her eyes were closed, and I slowly reached out to stroke her cheek.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I felt his gentle touch and said nothing as I closed my eyes.
Fire raged against water. Ice surrounded us, though we stood on a verdant island. Fire raced through my veins as I whipped my arms around, defending myself against the onslaught of heat that threatened to consume me. I felt an intense desire to protect, and I saw who I was protecting, a boy with an arrow on his head, who appeared to be meditating. I was not supposed to let my assailant anywhere near him.
My opponent and I danced. Heat against cold. Yang against yin. I met his golden eyes. There were cuts and bruises along his face, but what was most visible was his scar. Zuko. The face of my enemy, the face of everything that was bad. My mother, dead by the Fire Nation. The Air Nomads, dead by the Fire Nation. My father, gone to fight the Fire Nation. Countless of lives lost, or ruined by the Fire Nation. I refused to be another casualty, or allow that to happen to the boy who seemed not aware at all of what was occurring as he sat in meditation.
Golden eyes burned into mine. What was I doing? What was he doing? Why were we even fighting?
We were both filled with purpose. At least that much, we had in common. I brought him down with ice. He broke through with fire. The battle raged on. I refused to lose. I drew strength from the Moon, who had taught my people Waterbending.
Water rushed at him, pushing him into the air, encasing him in what was almost a coffin of ice. He did not move. I was safe. The boy was safe.
The sun came up, and he was free. He was an apparition, pale of face and bedecked in white, with flowing black hair and an angry red scar that seemed to burn. His power raged, and a river of fire flowed towards me. I tried to block, but too late. I fell. The sun was right beside him, its intensity mirroring his own. Its light, and his own, seared my eyes.
“You rise with the moon, I rise with the sun.”
I jerked awake with a soft gasp.
o0o0o0o
Kuzon
Lady Miumi had looked lovely during her coronation and her first day in Court. She certainly got a lot of presents! But then, she was also the nicest person I had ever met, I don't know why my nurse didn't like her.
A few days after the coronation, she came to see me. I was happy that she did because I was bored and lonely. The servant's children were not so much fun to play with because they kept letting me win the games and everything. I was the son of the Fire Lord so I apparently was not supposed to lose games. I wanted to be treated like a normal person, and that was what Lady Miumi did.
I was being led back to my room after my lessons by a servant. I didn't want to go back there, it was boring there because my nurse scolded me a lot, to sit up straight, to not make noise, to practice my calligraphy, and other things that were really, really boring.
“Kuzon!” I heard someone call. Lady Miumi! I turned around to see her coming to me. She opened her arms, and I hugged her back. She smelled nice, like rubyjasmine and lilies. I liked that. My nurse smelled like onions and fart mixed with lemon drops and some perfume that was way too flowery if I got too close to her. It was a yucky smell.
“Are your lessons done?” she asked. I nodded.
“Wonderful! I was thinking we might spend the afternoon together, would you like that?”
“Yes!” I hugged her again, and she laughed and hugged me back.
o0o0o0o
Katara
We were now in my private garden. I had a loaf of bread in my lap, and I looked at Kuzon with a smile. “You told me that you liked to feed the turtle-ducks. I thought you would like to help me feed them. But I've never fed a turtle-duck, I've never even see one until I came here.” I tore off part of the loaf, a chunk that a five-year-old child could manage. “Would you show me how?”
He nodded and went to the edge of the pond, tossing several crumbs, the one nearest to him floated across the water, snapping up the crumbs, and soon enough, two more joined him. I sat on the edge of the veranda of my bungalow, which was just at the edge of the water.
I was really happy to have a good relationship with my stepson. I did have others helping me acclimate to life here – Peony, Kamas, Hana, Hinode, but Kuzon was different. He was a breath of fresh air in this place, and when I was with him, I didn't have to worry so much about adhering to Courtly protocols for behavior. Ironically, I felt I could be myself around Kuzon the most. And he seemed to feel the same way, it made me feel warm inside to see his eyes light up when I came to spend time with him.
“Help me feed them!” he said to me with enthusiasm. I nodded and started pulling off bits of bread to toss to them. A few more joined, some of them diving for the same piece. We laughed at that, and soon enough the bread was gone. I had heard from Kuzon that the ducks liked to roam from pond to pond, looking for people who would feed them, they might be here the next day, perhaps not.
“We don't have to go back yet, do we?” he asked with a cute little pout once the loaf was gone. I shook my head.
“Of course not, Kuzon! We can stay here all afternoon.” I assured him. He came up to the veranda and sat next to me, leaning against me a little. I wrapped my arm around his shoulders. Here, we did not need to think about life in Court or our positions in it. The rest of the world faded away, leaving just the two of us, two lonely people comforting one another.
I was a stranger in a strange land, even my own husband, who wanted me to trust him, would not trust me with a secret that I knew was about me. Many here saw me as an interloper, an unworthy person amidst this world of privilege. And here Kuzon was, just five years old and already dealing with the burden of feeling out of place. He was being groomed to be one of the most powerful man in the world, something that set him apart from other children, and on top of that, his own father barely paid attention to him.
“Would you like to sit in my lap?” I asked. He nodded firmly and climbed up, settling himself against my chest, his head nestled between my shoulder and breast. I stroked his hair and forehead, hearing him give a contented sigh as he snuggled more closely.
“I'm glad you're here, Lady Miumi.” he whispered.
“When we're alone, you can call me Miumi.” I answered. He smiled at me. “And I'm glad you're here.” I countered gently, it was nice to be with someone who just wanted to be my friend, nothing more.
“You're never ever ever going to leave, are you?” he asked, looking up at me with big eyes. I gently touched his cheek, thinking of the deal Zuko and I had made. Eleven more months before I would give him the answer that would determine the rest of our lives' courses. And if Zuko did not trust me, how could I think of spending the rest of my life with him? Of course, there was no possible way I could voice this all to the child in my lap.
“Why would I want to?” I countered, dodging a straight answer, and he smiled at me. Satisfied with this answer, he rested his head against my chest, and I started rocking a bit, soothed by the peace that surrounded us.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
After a lengthy morning and afternoon session in Court, I was more than ready to spend some time with my wife. She was lucky she did not have to be here as often as I did, I thought wryly.
I was delighted to learn that Katara was in her garden. What a perfect way to spend the evening! I walked through the gate with a spring in my step, thinking about having tea and dinner brought to the bungalow. I walked along the path quietly, having left my guards at the gate with Katara's own. I came around the bend of the path and saw her sitting at the edge of the veranda, looking out at the water where several turtle-ducks lazily floated along its surface.
I stilled as I saw that she was with my son, rocking and cuddling him, both of them looking absolutely content. I could not help but be reminded of the way my mother had held me.
I approached the bungalow, and they looked up at me.
“Good evening, lord husband.”
“Good evening, honored father.”
I nodded briefly at their greeting before I sat on the corner of the veranda. They were both looking at me as if I were a stranger, almost. Since our argument, she had been a bit aloof to me; respectful but distant, showing up at Court when she was summoned, quiet during our meals aside the occasional question. She continued to gently stroke Kuzon's hair. I had received no such attention since our argument.
o0o0o0o
Katara
The silence that Kuzon and I had before Zuko came was comfortable, just sitting and relaxing, me rocking him, him cuddling against me. But now with Zuko here, it was just awkward. I focused on Kuzon, silently hoping hat my husband would just go away. It might sound mean, but it was as if my husband was some sort of strange creature that had intruded on the world I created with Kuzon.
The man I had married was a ridiculously complicated one, and that left me feeling baffled sometimes. There were things about him I could admire, but then there were times where I wanted to wrap my hands around his neck.
“How were your lessons?” he asked his son.
“I learned much.” Kuzon said as he looked up at the man who had sired him.
“Very good. You may go now, it is getting late.”
Kuzon reluctantly slid from my lap and bowed to his father. “Good night.”
“Good night, Kuzon.”
Just like that. No good night hug or anything. I had to act.
“Wait, Kuzon, come here, what about me?” I asked with a smile. He smiled back at me.
“Good night. Miumi.” He gave me a hug, wrapping his arms around my neck, and I hugged him back fiercely. For good measure, I kissed his cheek. “Sleep tight and sweet dreams.”
“Thank you! You too!” He waved at me before heading down the path, one of the guards would take him back to his room. I watched him head down before I turned back to Zuko.
“So... what brings you here?” I asked casually.
“You, what else?” he asked with a faint smirk.
“You flatter me, my lord.” I replied neutrally. He scooted closer.
“It's not flattery if it is truth. All day in Court I have been thinking of my beautiful wife, and how much I enjoy her company over that of the courtiers.” He closed the distance between us, wrapping his arm around my middle.
“I am sure Kuzon thinks about how nice it would be to see his father after a long day.” I retorted evenly.
“He has everything he needs.” Zuko replied firmly. I looked away before I felt him hug me more tightly. “I need you.” he whispered into my ear.
“Well, here I am.”
He pressed kisses along the side of my face, and after pulling down my high collar, continued down my neck. I made no effort to pull away, or respond positively.
“The dragon needs you.” he purred.
“I can see that.”
“Aren't you going to welcome it?”
“I'm not in the mood.”
“Why don't we see if I can change that?” His breath was hot on my neck, and his hand slid up to squeeze my breast gently through the deep red satin that covered it.
I looked away silently. If he really wanted to have me, so be it. But I was not going to respond the way he wanted, I refused to give him the satisfaction. Apparently Zuko read my body language well enough, because I heard a sigh before his hand slid away.
“I just want to spend time with you and love you.” I heard him say. I looked back at him. He looked lonely and forlorn, his expression almost identical to his son's when Kuzon was sad. I felt a stirring in my heart at that, wanting to comfort him, but I stopped myself, thinking of how he had just treated his son, or his refusal to trust me. Why couldn't he understand what he was doing to his son, or to me?
I turned away to look at the pond, blinking back tears.
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Kiss of Fire