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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 Fifteen – Courtship
o0o0o0o
Katara
I always hated it when my moon-time came around. I was unable to sleep, and kept slipping out of bed to prowl the rooms, my cramps keeping me up despite the tea that Sylid had prescribed for me. Usually, I could keep the pain at bay, but at times, it was too stubborn to be overcome by one of the remedies women used. I had tried a hot shower in the middle of the night, and double doses of the tea, but I still could not sleep. I tried curling up on the divan in Zuko's parlor and reading under a lamp.
I sat on the window seat as the sky started to brighten. I dreaded the thought of going to Court like this. I was tired and cranky, and was in no mood to make small talk to the courtiers. I pressed my forehead to the cool glass of the window.
You rise with the moon, I rise with the sun.
I couldn't remember the rest of the dream, but that phrase stuck with me. I would think or say it to myself here and there so I would remember it.
“You rise with the moon, I rise with the sun.” I said softly to myself.
“No, it is I who rises with the sun, not you, Waterbender.” I heard someone say. I gasped softly and turned to see Zuko.
“No. You said it to me.”
“When?” he asked, his eyes now having an odd glint in them as he seemed to study me.
“I... don't know.” I admitted. “I just hear you saying it to me, but I can't place where or when.”
“Is that why you could not sleep?”
“... No.” I looked away from him. “I am unclean.” Typically women didn't talk to men about womanly issues, but it was a wife's duty to let her husband know when she was unavailable for certain matters.
“Don't call yourself that.” he chided.
“... But, I am.” I countered.
“I don't like you using that word for yourself. Use something else. Like, say you're on your moon-time.”
… Moon-time? It was a phrase used mostly in the Water Tribes, and occasionally in the Earth Kingdoms. How could the Fire Lord himself possibly know this particular term? Hana andHinode both referred to this as the 'crimson tide'. Sylid used the clinical terms of 'menstruation' and 'menstrual cycle'.
“Well then. It is my moon-time.” I quipped, setting these thoughts aside.
“Do you always have... difficulty? At this time?”
Why was he asking me questions now? I wondered. Most men would have run off at the mention of feminine problems.
“Not every day no, but I do have hard days... or nights. Please do not worry, I can handle things.” I said sweetly.
“Come with me.” he said, holding out his hand. I stared at him wonderingly before I took it. He led me to his bed, and I paused. Did he want to be intimate? It couldn't be that, could it? Was that why he seemed unafraid of this topic? … Ew. That's gross!
But he surprised me by laying me down on the bed and placing his hand over my lower stomach, a pulse of heat coming from his palm. The effect was almost instantaneous, as the pain in my womb subsided, the hear causing my body to lose its tension. He moved his palm in a small circle, chasing away any lingering pain with his heat, and I closed my eyes and gave out a small moan of relief.
“You don't need to come to Court this morning. You can stay in bed and rest.” he whispered. I opened my eyes and looked up at him, he was gazing down at me with a gentle, loving expression.
Damn you, Zuko, I thought. This man really was ridiculously complicated. I could get so angry with him and then he goes and does something like this and he melts my heart. “Thank you.” I whispered.
He leaned down to kiss my forehead, and I touched his face. He kissed my hand.
We had a quick breakfast before he got dressed for Court. He gave me another kiss before he left, and I lay there, content with the warm feeling in the pit of my stomach. So having s Firebender for an husband had more advantages than I had thought. I smiled to myself as I buried myself under the blankets.
An Mei had given me plenty of advice on being a wife. One of the things she said was that while husbands could often exert their will by force, a woman more often than not needed to find subtler ways to get what she wanted, especially if her husband was stubborn and strong-willed.
Which was an description that fit Zuko all too accurately. And myself. When we fought, we could really butt heads. But he had one advantage I didn't. Well, two. First, he was Fire Lord. Second, he knew this secret, and I did not. I had tried confrontation, and that obviously didn't work. However, as I had seen from today, and other instances, he could be very gentle-hearted, and if I was kind to him and rewarded him for it, it made his day, and if I rejected him, he was obviously hurt. In certain ways, I had a lot of power over Zuko.
I just had to find the best way to exercise it.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
You rise with the moon, I rise with the sun. How well I remember saying that. Katara had been stunning, moving with the grace of her element as she tried to protect her friend. And of course, how could I forget giving her comfort and relief when her body rebelled against her?
I looked down at my hands for a moment, thinking about my wife as the voice of the courtier faded away. She had looked so relaxed and content when I left her. After the tension between us the last few days, it was nice to have a truly peaceful moment with her,m and see her look at me with warmth and gratitude. I could still feel the touch of her hand to my face, and how she had thanked me.
Court could not end quickly enough. I nearly rushed out of the room when it was time to take an intermission for lunch. Katara was still in bed, but she was reading a book, and she looked up with a smile when I approached the bed.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
“Much better. I took a nap and now I'm just relaxing before I have to get ready for my tea party.”
Tea party? Oh, that's right, she had to hold a formal tea party for the noble women, to introduce herself to them on a more private basis. It was a tradition for Fire Ladies or new wives in the Royal Family to do this, so women could get to know one another on a closer basis than just being in Court. Peony had mentioned it to me while I was asking her how Katara was doing in her acclimation to Courtly life.
“Are you excited for that?” I asked.
She stared at me for several moments. “To be honest... not really.”
I smiled just a bit. “How come?”
“I've seen how some of the ladies look at me while I am in Court with you. They see me as... unworthy of being here, being at your side.” She looked down for a moment.
I held back a sigh as I sat next to her on the bed. Of course, I knew that. A few of the courtiers had raised objections to my choice as Fire Lady,l especially when there was a good amount of prospective brides with the proper pedigree – at least, according to Courtly rules and traditions – available for the position of Fire Lady.
“Do you want to cancel it?” I asked. “It is tradition, but not law.”
She stared at me for a moment before she shook her head. “I can't hide from them, and it'll give me a chance to get to know them better. After all, know your enemies, right?” she asked with a dry smile.
“I hope you also make some friends.” I replied. Inside, I was thinking, that's my girl. She wasn't going to hide, she would stand up for herself and not let her detractors scare her off.
“Thank you.” She smiled sweetly at me before wiggling closer, setting her book aside and resting her head on my lap. I stroked the soft, thick chocolate hair, tracing my fingers along her forehead. Now, this was so much better than listening to noblemen bicker in Court.
We had a light lunch together before I had to return to Court. She pulled me in for a kiss, and I let out a quiet moan of delight as I held the sides of her face, nuzzling her fiercely.
“I do have one small thing to ask before you leave.” she said with a smile.
“What is it?”
“Could you do that thing again? What you did this morning, I mean.”
“Of course.” I pulled her into my arms before my hands slid down, one at her lower abdomen, the other one at her lower back. I felt her relax against me as I applied heat, and I gently rested my chin on the top of her head, simply holding her like this for several minutes as she wrapped one of her arms around my middle.
She gave me another kiss. “Have a good afternoon. I will see you tonight.”
“I love you.” I whispered. She smiled gently at that.
“Thank you. For making me feel better.”
“Anytime.”
I returned to Court, practically floating as I did so. As I was about to enter the throne room, Kamas glanced at me with an raised eyebrow.
“You're in a better mood than before.” he commented. I smirked.
“You have a wife, you know how that can improve your mood.”
“Ah. I see.” He smirked back at me. Doubtlessly he had his own idea of what Katara and I had just done, and I would not dispel that conclusion. Besides, once her moon-time was over, we could spend our interludes that way.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I was now dressed in one of the robes from my inherited treasures, a black silk robe with fire-lilies sewn along the sleeves and hem. I had been looking for something suitable to wear, examining the contents of various boxes in the treasure room, when this one caught my eye, I could not stop thinking about the fire-lilies. There was something hauntingly familiar about the flower, even though I had never seen one in my life, and by the time I had come to Sozun, they were already dead, not to bloom until the beginning of next summer.
Hinode helped me with my hair and accessories, and I was good to go. I looked at my reflection one last time. Here we go, I thought as I took a deep breath.
There were several areas in or around the Palace that could be used for tea parties. After talking with Ging Lei, who had lived here for years, I decided on a semi-private pavilion near one of the ponds near the front of the Palace. It had been used often in the past for tea parties by various Fire Ladies and princesses.
When I came to the pavilion, it was already set up, the tables arranged with fine dishes and cutlery, the cushions arranged immaculately, it seemed as if the servants had used a ruler to space them.
For the meal, I had decided on something light to go with tea, and was amazed at the options I had for the menu. The Palace kitchens had technology unsurpassed by anyone else. Coolers and freezers, their designs derived from those at the infamous Boiling Rock prison, helped to keep foods cooled or froze them for long-term storage, ensuring that there was no end of a supply of milk or cheese, meat, or out-of-season fruit and vegetables. The ovens and warmers ensured that food could be cooked in nearly any way, especially with the use of thermometers. I would never forget the sight of the walk-in cooler and freezer, rows of milk-bottles, wheels of cheese, packs of vegetation, and bins of ice-cubes meeting my eyes. There were even ovens that nearly reached the ceiling, used to bake whole racks of loaves of bread, pie, or rolls to feed the royal family and staff that served them.
I decided against having a formal meal divided in courses, and opted instead to have just a spread that my guests could choose from.
“Does everything please you, my lady?” one of the servants asked. I nodded.
“Everything looks wonderful. You all did a good job.” I meant what I said, but I also knew that being kind to the servants and complimenting them would also help them get more used to having me here.
“The guests are arriving, time to sit down.” Peony whispered. I nodded. She had been instrumental in helping me, making a guest list for me and telling me who was who, including warning me about a few. She was dressed in a red satin robe with embroidered pink and gold peonies.
Obediently, I sat down, and Peony sat at the other side, not because I disdained her that I wanted her as far away from me as possible. It was so that she could cue me on this or that behind the other women's backs.
My guests were seated in practically no time, as they were already in Court, all that was needed was for the servants to usher them here. I listened to their greetings, and greeted them back graciously, taking careful note of each of them, how they looked at me, or spoke to me.
There was Lady Hau, the granddaughter of the head of the Iyashii clan, who I had gotten my peacocks from. Peony had warned me about her. She sat near me, and two of her friends flanked her.
“What a pleasure it is to have you all here today. I look forward to furthering my acquaintanceship with all of you.” I said as I looked out at my guests, my eyes meeting theirs one by one. Some looked back at me impassively, a few smiled, Hau stared back at me with a smile that I knew was artificial. “Please, enjoy the meal I have provided.” I raised my cup of tea. As we ate, I made my rounds, asking each of my guests a question and prompting them to talk about themselves. Most of the women were closer to my age, ranging between around fifteen to thirty. Peony had suggested that I keep my parties small, and host a separate one for the older women. As Fire Lady, I would be expected to have tea parties on an at least semi- regular basis. It was one of the duties that came with the position.
“How are you liking it here so far?” I heard someone ask. I turned to see a woman in her early twenties. It took a moment to remember who she was; Miharaki, daughter of the headwoman of the Yehe clan. The resemblance between her and her mother was clear.
“It has been a bit of an adjustment, I will admit.” I said. “Being Fire Lady, living in such a large household, learning my duties...” I shrugged and smiled. “But so far I am enjoying it here. It is a beautiful place. I do love the architecture.”
She smiled back at me in a friendly way. “Where did you come from? Omashu, right? What is it like there?”
I told the women a bit about Omashu. “I thought the King's palace there was impressive, but this place takes my breath away.” I said, acting suitably impressed. I was careful with my comments and responses, I did not want to sound too much like a country bumpkin, but at the same time I needed to be humble. What I said would be talked about by these women, and would make it to the ears of their husbands, fathers, servants, and the like. I had already rehearsed some answers and comments in my head for these women to repeat to others. It was weird, I never had to think so much about what I said, even in Court, because I was mostly silent when I observed Zuko running Court proceedings.
I was asked a couple more questions about Omashu and my family, I answered these questions carefully, and my guest seemed satisfied with these answers. Of course, I had a troublemaker to contend with...
“How did you manage to capture the Fire Lord's attention so quickly? No other woman was ever considered for the position of his Fire Lady.” Lady Hau commented. I could feel the eyes of the other women on me, waiting for my answer.
“He was so captivated by my beauty that he just had to sweep me off my feet.” I replied flippantly, deciding to try a bit of humor. I saw Peony smile and wink at me.
“Such things exist only in stories.” Hau replied.
“But stories and fables are said to come from seeds of truth.”
I heard a giggle from one of the other women, and Hau shot her a veiled glare.
“Well, I suppose after all his years in Court, the Fire Lord would find beauty in exoticism.” Hau finally said as she looked back at me.
“I don't think it's so much my difference as it is your... sameness. Being offered the same thing over and over, especially after saying no to it the first time, I am sure would turn anyone off.” I remembered Peony mentioning to me before that the Iyashii clan had tried on repeated occasions to offer Hau or other women of their clan to the Fire Lord.
I stared at Hau, my hands folded in my lap primly, my previous comment delivered in the most polite tone I could muster.
“Who are we to question the Fire Lord's decision?” Miharaki asked Hau. “I thought we were here to enjoy tea and one another's company, not air out petty jealousies.”
I sensed that there was a long-standing rivalry between the two women. I wondered why, as Peony had said nothing about Miharaki being interested in Zuko.
“I suppose you are right. The Fire Lord can do whatever he wants.” Hau replied sweetly. Of course, I was not fooled, I could see she would be trouble down the road. I was not to know just how much trouble, however...
I diverted the subject into a different direction. “When I was younger, my father gave me several books from Fire Nation authors to read. They were very good and I am interested in expanding my collection. The library here is so impressive I would not know where to start, what books do you like?” I asked my guests. This seemed the perfect opening for the woman next to Miharaki. She was a tall and thin woman, not a pretty girl, but obviously very intelligent when she started speaking. She identified one of the books I had already read, but recommended several titles I had never heard of.
I then asked about plays and festivals, gauging the social events of the season by how enthusiastic these women were about them.
In due time, the food was gone and it was starting to get dark. Zuko would be closing Court for the day and these women would go home with their families.
“Thank you all for coming. This has been a memorable afternoon, and I look forward to seeing you again.” I said politely. This really had been a valuable experience for me. It certainly wasn't as if I wanted to live in seclusion forever. I had a husband who cared for me, a stepson who welcomed me with open arms, and servants and advisers I could be comfortable with. I was a stranger in a strange land, but not everyone was the enemy.
Of course, the enemies were something I would have to be careful about...
o0o0o0o
Zuko

Katara came to Court , listening to the last case I had. She looked stunning in the robe with the fire-lilies on it. It brought up memories of her and me frolicking amidst fire-lilies, me running the petals of the flower along her body... She had come too late this year, but there was next summer.
She comported herself elegantly as Court closed, speaking with this or that person. Finally, the last courtier was out of the Palace, to be escorted to the gates of the Volcano City, where their sedans and servants waited to take them home.
“You look absolutely stunning.” I said as I took her for a short walk outside. Twilight cast a romantic light along the walkway.
“You're looking good yourself.” Katara replied as she looked up at me. “In your formal robes, you can be a rather imposing sight, and so regal-looking. It is no wonder the women of Court admire you so.”
I wrapped my arm around her middle. “Did one of your guests say something today?” I asked.
“I think Hau suspects I am a witch, for capturing your attention and getting myself promoted to Fire Lady so quickly.”
“You're not a witch. You're a Goddess.” I replied lightly. She smiled at that.
o0o0o0o
Katara
As Fire Lady, I had a nicely varied schedule. Yes, I had to go to Court, or play hostess, or be mistress of the household, but I also had lessons. It took a bit of time because Zuko had to approve my teachers, but I now had a teacher for history, literature, and politics. His name was Xhou, and he was a Sage from the Fire Temple in the city, recommended by Head Sage Shyu himself. He was a old man, nearly eighty, and while his body might show its age, he had a sharp mind and tongue. He was semi-retired, teaching classes at the university on a part-time basis, but he came to the Palace three times a week to work with me for about two hours per session.
I had another teacher for the more physical aspect of my education, teaching me martial arts and weaponry. She was a guardswoman named Ming, who had worked in security for almost twenty years. I had had several classes with both of my teachers so far, being schooled in the basics of Fire Nation history and self-defense. I have to admit, I was enjoying my lessons, and on the mornings or afternoons I had lessons, I was excused from Court.
After a morning class with Xhou, I had lunch and then dressed for Court. I slid in through the side door, taking my seat after bowing to Zuko and giving him the proper obeisance. As Court went on, I would glance around the room occasionally, making note of who was in attendance, and how they behaved. I saw Lady Hau with her grandfather. When she glanced at me, I stared back impassively.
Finally, Court ended for the day. Some courtiers remained, talking to one another, some of them seeking a private audience with the Fire Lord. I stepped out into the reception hall. The large painting of the Fire Lord and myself hung to my left. It was tradition that in this hall, a painting of the Fire Lord should hang, so that everyone who came to Court would pass by it. If he had a wife, he could choose to include her in this portrait. I had to admit, the painting was rather lovely, displaying us both in full courtly regalia.
I talked with several ladies and a couple of nobles. There were people who did not want me here, yes, but there were also open-minded people here. I had a nice talk with Lord Niuhu, asking him about his silk business; he was happy to answer my questions and was rather genial with me.
I finished my conversation with him and turned around, holding back a flinch when I saw Hau standing there, waiting for me.
“How lovely to see you again.” I said pleasantly. For me, the role of Fire Lady was like a role I played, a personal I slipped in and out like I would one of the ornate outfits in the Phoenix Treasure Room. Inside, I didn't feel like a Fire Lady, but at least I could act like one, and that was what mattered.
She bowed her head and greeted me. “Can we talk?” she asked. I nodded and let her lead me to a less crowded part of the room, there were alcoves with windows overlooking the gardens for people who wanted more private conversations. I could feel a few curious eyes on us.
“What was it you wished to talk about?” I asked politely. Her eyes slid to the floor, her posture looking humble and contrite.
“I simply wish to apologize for my behavior the other day. It was undignified of me.”
Well. This was not quite what I was expecting... but all right. “I accept your apology.”
“Oh, thank you! Your forgiveness means so much to me, Fire Lady!” She bowed again.
“I'm just glad we could clear this up.” I said with a gracious smile. “Oh by the way, I would like to tell you that I absolutely love these peacocks your family gave me. They're beautiful. And what delightful pets they are!”
The peacocks had seemed tame when being presented in Court, but apparently they had been given some sort of sedative at that time, because after a few hours, they had become ornery, acting aggressively towards the staff in charge of the welfare of the Palace's animals. One had even tried to bite my hand. One could simply chalk this off to the trauma of being transported to a new home, but the manager of the staff confided to me that he suspected that they had been like this before, and were just unloaded off onto me so the Iyashiis no longer had to worry about them.
The birds had been placed in their own paddock and given food, water, and shade, and left alone for the time being, it was up to me what would happen to them. One of the animal-keepers even suggested that they be served for dinner, as ruby-peacock was a rare dish.
I was gratified to see a flicker of surprise in Hau's eyes, confirming the suspicions of the animal manager. She maintained her smile.
“I'm so glad to know that you could enjoy our gift so much! My father and grandfather will be happy to know!”
“I am sure they will be.”
“When are you planning your next tea party?”
“I don't know. I need to check my schedule, the responsibilities of the Fire Lady are numerous.” I said, carefully evading her question.
After everyone left the Volcano City, I thought about my exchange with Hau. She might have been a good actress... but not quite good enough. I glanced across at my husband as we ate supper, wondering what it would have been like for him had the Iyashii clan succeeded in getting one of their women into Zuko's bed, or into the position of Fire Lady.
Well, Zuko was too smart for that. So what did this say about him choosing me?
o0o0o0o
The next afternoon, I sat down and wrote a letter to my parents, telling them about my experiences. I kept out negativity, like what happened with Hau, I described the things that I had seen and done. I told my stepmother about the exotic flowers here and enclosed some seeds for her, and I told my father about Court and the people I had met, and enclosed a small but valuable painting on a silk scroll for him, and another one for An Mei. I included a few other gifts as well for them and for my cousins. When I was done with the letter, it was several pages long, done in my small and neat script. I knew that it would take a while for a letter to get to or fro from me or my parents, so it was best to put in as much as I could. I hoped that my parents would be able to visit me soon. Already, I missed them so much.
But I had plenty to keep me distracted. I could not say that my life was boring. It was daunting, but also thrilling to be mistress of the entire household. Ging Lei would have to report to me with the monthly budgets and other household issues. Since An Mei was teaching me how to run a household, it was not as if I was completely new to this, though I am sure that my stepmother never thought I would be responsible for such a huge house and staff! It was up to Zuko to give final approval, but he made it clear that he trusted Ging Lei and me.
I made an effort to be kind and sweet to Zuko. Not once did I bring up what had caused us to fight before. And despite the fact that we could not have sex, he still welcomed my company, which showed me that he did indeed want my companionship. We would take walks along the Palace grounds, or have tea in my garden. We might feed the turtle-ducks, or just sit by the lake and skip stones. Once, he chased me through the orchards, both of us laughing.
It was amazing just how much land made up the Palace grounds, but I had no complaints at all. There were so many things to see and appreciate, and I always looked forward to our walks. He would pluck a piece of fruit, or a flower, and offer it to me without a word. But I saw the emotion in his eyes, and that spoke much more than any words could ever. His fingers would brush along my cheek, arm, or hand, and I would feel a shiver pass through my spine from the way he looked at me. I cherished these moments, and silently prayed that he would never look at anyone else this way. Sometimes, when it was dark and the guards were at a good distance away from us, he would steal a kiss from me, or caress me in a teasing manner. I would feel as if we were a pair of young lovers who had sneaked off to steal a private moment.
If we were inside, we might play a game, or discuss something I had read or learned during my lessons. Other times we were just quiet, but the silence that often hung around us was of a comfortable sort, and the words that passed between us had meaning. I became less wary whenever he would be silent or aloof. I came to understand that this was just how he was, and that it did not mean he was displeased with me. When I sensed that he wanted to be alone, or when he was not in the mood for speaking, I would give him space, or remain silent as he held me. My feelings for him slowly warmed as I came to understand him.
We spent every night together, even if we did not make love. I liked it when he would hold me in his sleep.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
You rise with the moon, I rise with the sun. How well I remembered saying that, and what had led up to it. I sat in my meditation chamber, taking slow, measured breaths as I felt the fire in front of me. Often, meditation helped to clear my mind and process what I had heard in Court that day, aiding me with decisions I was being asked to make.
When I was done, I came out, seeing Katara kneeling near the door, her hands folded in her lap. She was clad in a black satin robe which hugged her curves.
“Did you need something?” I asked, wondering why she had been waiting for me.
“I only wish to offer you comfort, my lord.” she said, her voice soft, refined, and submissive, like a proper Court lady. What was with this demeanor?
“How so?” I asked.
“Before, you used your element to soothe me. I would be honored if you would allow me to return the favor. After all, the responsibilities of the Fire Lord are many, and I know it causes stress. That is not healthy for you, is it not the duty of a wife to take care of her husband?”
“So it is.” I said, raising my chin. “You may attend to me.” My tone was imperious, but I winked at her. She smiled and led me to the washroom, where a full bathtub waited, steam dancing off its surface. I noticed a tray of tea at the edge of the bathtub.
“If you would allow me to undress you...”
“I think I will.” I replied. She smiled and started to undress me, slowly unbuttoning my shirt and letting it slide down my arms before undoing the drawstring of my pants. I had to take a deep breath and focus on keeping my dragon calm as she slid my underwear down my legs. I stepped out of them and my slippers, heading to the tub and sliding into it.
“Some tea, my lord?” she asked after I was settled, offering me a delicate porcelain cup with gold along the rim. I nodded and took the drink, sipping it. Soothing jasmine, tart ginseng, with a bit of honey. I took several sips, giving a sigh of contentment.
“Are you ready?” she whispered into my ear, positioned behind me, her arms resting on the edge of the tub. I nodded, and the water started moving rolling up and down my legs.
“Ahh...” My head lolled back against the headrest, and I felt her fingers gently caress my face. The rolling intensified, spreading to my arms. I could feel the tension worked away as my wife intensified her attentions. After a while, it seemed to take a ridiculous amount of effort just to keep my head above the water, and the massage slowed.
“How do you feel?” she whispered.
“Incredible. And blessed.”
“You're so sweet.” She wrapped her arms around my neck, her cheek resting against my temple. She waved her hand, the massage continuing in a gentle, lazy rhythm. She slid away from me, and I opened my eyes to look at her as she rose to her feet, standing at my side. I watched as she untied her robe, letting the black material slide down her body, revealing a thin silk chemise that stopped just below her navel, and a matching pair of briefs. The material was so sheer that I could make out the darkness of her nipples and pubic triangle.
I let out an approving purr as my arousal stirred. Suddenly, I felt the water surrounding my privates start to ripple and roll, massaging it as she had massaged the rest of me, causing my passion to increase.
“Looks as if the dragon is not afraid of water.” she said with a knowing smirk.
“Why should it be?” I mock challenged.
“That is good to know, because you have been patient with me.” she said in a more serious tone. “You don't... make me feel dirty even though I felt that way about myself, as any woman would. But now that my moon-time is over, we can... celebrate.”
“The dragon has a lot of pent-up energy from waiting. Can you handle it?” I asked with a smirk. She placed her hands on her hips.
“The dragon can frolic all night if it wants.” she shot back.
“Good. Now get in the tub.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
o0o0o0o
Katara
I lay in bed with a big grin on my face as I heard Zuko's quiet breathing. I was the subject of a long, fierce, and passionate 'frolic' as a reward for my encouragement. If there was one good thing about moon-time, it was that the dragon was more appreciative of its treasure.
So far, I had been assimilating to my new life fairly well. There were lots of responsibilities and demands on my time to juggle, and it was taking a bit of time to find balance. But as I was getting used to my new life, I found it easier to arrange my schedule and not feel so overwhelmed by the variety of things to do, and to focus on what was really important.
o0o0o0o
Kuzon

I liked Lady Miumi a lot. She was nice, and when she hugged me, she was soft and warm.
No one else had ever hugged me. Nurse was sour. Her name was Mara, but I didn’t even like calling her that. She never smiled and always told me what to do. Time for a bath. Time to eat. Time to get dressed. Time to sleep. Time to go to your lessons. If I wanted to go outside, she always said, Do not go too far. Stay where I can watch you. And if I tried to wander off and explore, she would become really grumpy. I always wondered if she liked taking care of me. When I asked her that, she just said that it was her duty.
But Lady Miumi smiled when she saw me. She would ask me how I was. She would ask me what I wanted. When she invited me for meals she asked me if there was anything I would like. Nurse never asked me what I wanted to eat. If I did not want something on my plate, Nurse told me that good boys always eat what is set in front of them. It was because grownups know better. Or at least, Nurse said so. When we went outside, Lady Miumi let me decide where to go. Wherever I wanted to go, she would come with me. She never told me to stay in one spot. She listened to me when I told her about the gardens and the lakes and the buildings.
I never wanted her to go away. My lord’s other women always went away and I often never met them personally. They never stayed long. I was glad when my lord said that Lady Miumi was here to stay. I didn’t want to lose the hugs or the smiles. I didn’t want to lose my friend. Sometimes, I was allowed to play with the servant’s children. But that was not often.
I try hard to please my lord. I try to be a good and obedient son. I work hard on my lessons. When I am before my father, I try to keep his attention. I say things that I hope will please him and make him proud of me. My teachers tell me what a great and powerful man he is. They say that he ended the Great War, and made the Nation even stronger. He has the blessings of Agni, and is honored above all. I hope to one day be as great as him. But I do not know if he likes me. He never hugged me or smiled at me like Lady Miumi does. Sometimes he will tell me I did a good job in my lessons and when he does, I am happy. But I am not often happy, because many times when I see him, I am expected to keep quiet and behave myself, like when I sit in Court. I wonder sometimes if I am a good enough son for him.
Now I am afraid that the Lady does not like me anymore. I have not seen her in three days. I am scared that I did something bad. When I asked to go outside, Nurse said that it was too damp. The sky was gray, but it was not raining. It already did last night and this morning. I like when it rains, because it makes the air and the ground smell clean.
I was bored. I did not want to play with my toy Palace. I did not want to read. I did not want to practice my exercises. I sighed as I sat next to the window, looking outside. I wished I were bigger, so I could do what I wanted. My father commanded the Nation. He could do whatever he wanted. And here I had an old lady telling me what to do. I crossed my arms, pouting.
“Don’t pout.” Nurse said, sounding as sour as ever. I stuck out my lower lip. I wanted to go outside!
“You have plenty of things here to play with. Other children your age have nothing!” Nurse said, wagging her finger at me before she went back to sewing.
“I want to walk through the Palace!”
“And disturb your father and the courtiers and guards?” she asked. No, I didn’t want to bother anyone! I just wanted to walk around! This was my home!
I heard the guards outside of my room greeting someone. ‘Lady Miumi’, they said. I looked up, hoping that she was here to see me. And then, she walked in, a soft smile on her face. Nurse frowned a little. I knew she did not like the Lady. The Lady never let Nurse come with us when we took walks. I was happy for that, though I did not tell Nurse.
“Hello, Prince Kuzon.” she said.
“Greetings, my lady. I’m glad you are here.” I said, hoping she would hug me.
“You are? Good, because I missed you.” the Lady said. She missed me? She still liked me?
“You look surprised, my Prince. Is something wrong?”
“I… thought you were angry with me.”
“Goodness, no! Why would you think that?” she asked softly.
“Because… because you didn’t come to see me anymore. I thought you didn’t like me.” I said. I saw her face soften. She fell to her knees and held out her arms.
“Why would I not like you? I’m sorry I did not come sooner. I was very busy, learning how to be Fire Lady. There was so much to do… to see… I’m sorry. I should have sent you a message at least. But I was never angry with you. Come here, my Prince?” she asked, still holding out her arms. I rushed into them, feeling them wrap around me.
I was happy. I felt tears come to my eyes, but I blinked them back. It was not dignified to cry, and I was a Prince.
“I will see you as often as I can, okay? And if I am not able to do so, I will send you a message. But you know, you can send me messages too.” Miumi said. I looked up at her with a smile. She smiled back.
“I’ll send you a message every day!” I said, and she laughed softly.
“You don’t have to do that. But whenever you’re missing me, just send me a message and I will send one back. Okay?” she asked, and I felt her hand rub my back a little. I nodded.
“How would you like to have dinner with me tonight?” she asked. I nodded. Of course I would!
“Dinner’s still a bit of a ways off. Is there anything you would like to do?”
“Take a walk.”
“Inside or outside?” she asked. She would let me go outside?
“Outside!”
“You don’t care that it’s a little damp?” she asked. I shook my head.
“I like the way it smells after a rain.” I replied. She smiled and stroked my hair, and I looked up into her eyes. I liked that she had blue eyes. I wondered if Father liked them as much as I did. I thought they were very pretty and calming.
“You know… I like the way that it smells after a rain too.”
o0o0o0o
The name Mara means ‘bitter’, and 'Hau' means greedy. Ming is a canon character, see if you remember where she came from! As always, reviews are greatly appreciated.
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Kiss of Fire