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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
- 18
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Kiss of Fire
Chapter Nineteen – Battle for Affection
o0o0o0o
Katara
As soon as I saw the chain around my foot, I gasped and immediately jerked away from the Fire Lord. I quickly sat up and examined the fetter that had been placed just above my foot. The cuff was thick and made from gold, and I could not find a keyhole. It appeared as if the fetter had been shut with a burst of carefully-placed Firebending.
“Did you sleep well?” the Fire Lord asked as if there was nothing out of the ordinary. I glared at him.
“You have no place saying what you did last night.” Zuko stated casually, seemingly unfazed by my glare.
“This isn’t funny.”
“It’s not a joke. You will remain like that, until you learn to behave yourself properly.”
“Is this because of Kuzon?” I asked acidly.
“Part of it, yes. He is cared for, and you have duties of your own.” the Fire Lord replied with narrowed eyes.
“Why are you so against my spending time with him?”
“I brought you here to be my companion, not his.” he stated before sliding out of the bed. I was so stunned at his words that I did not have an immediate response. He seemed to tower over me, looking almost out of place in his scarlet robes in this blue room.
“So that’s all I am, a bed-warmer?” I asked, trying to keep the hurt out of my voice. A wry smirk formed on his lips.
“If you want to call it that.” he replied, his smirk widening even more. I growled and climbed off the bed, lunging at him. He caught me easily, and held me by my wrists as I railed at him, trying to kick him.
“Let me out of this thing!” I cried out. He continued to hold onto my hands.
“No.” he stated simply, “You will remain here in your apartment, and I expect the bed to be warm when I retire for the night.” Zuko added in an infuriatingly calm tone.
“Let me go, please!”
“No.”
“Let me go!” I begged again, trying to wrest myself from his grasp.
“Why would I let my bed-warmer go?” he asked. I stiffened and looked down. His hand released me, and my arms fell to my sides. I felt degraded.
“How long are you going to leave me like this?”
“That’s up to you. I think you know what I mean.” he stated as he turned to leave.
I took a deep breath, my rage building up again. He may be lord of the entire Fire Nation, but he had no right to treat me like this! I eyed the pitcher at the side of the bed, the white porcelain with an intricate blue design that had been one of Zuko's gifts to me.
With a flick of my arm, I lifted the water out of the pitcher and flung it at him, causing the water whip to lash him across his rear end neatly. It made a sharp and satisfying sound, and I smirked to myself as he gave out a surprised yelp. Before he could turn around, I whipped his butt again from the other side, leaving a wet 'X' on the fabric of his pants. He spun around to glare at me.
“I’m not letting you push me around, husband. Enough is enough. Unchain me.”
“Do you want a shorter leash?” he growled, stepping towards me. I narrowed my eyes, even though anyone else in my position would have been quaking in fear.
“Bring it.” I growled. His eyes flickered at me angrily, but I stood my ground.
“You are toeing the line, Waterbender!” he stated, taking another step towards me. I had no idea where my defiance was coming from, but it was exhilarating and I refused to kowtow to him. I stood with my feet apart, in a firm stance as I had been taught in my martial arts lessons. I was by no means a master warrior, but I certainly was proficient enough.
“Think you can take me down?” Zuko asked with an insolent grin.
“Take the chain off, and we’ll see!” I retorted hotly. He simply laughed at me before he picked up his robe off the foot of the bed and put it on, covering up his wet behind.
“Nice try. But you’re going to stay here, and keep the bed warm. And if you try to remove the chain in any way… I will replace it with one of heavy steel.” he stated before striding out of the room.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I left her like that, and ignored her angry scream as I went through the entrance to her apartments. She would learn her lesson. I was not going to lose her – not to anyone. She would remain with me, always.
I went to Court as usual, and conducted my duties as I always did. Afterward, I had a light meal, took a shower, and dressed comfortably, making my way to my wife’s apartments. She was a fierce and independent spirit, and I knew she had to hate the chain. I knew she liked to move about a lot during the day if she was not at Court with me.
Usually, she slept in my bed after she prepared herself for the night, but sometimes I liked to tell her to stay in her apartment, and I would visit her. Her room was so different from mine, and a welcome change at times. She was at the desk in her study, going over some papers. I made my presence known by clearing my throat.
She looked up at me and regarded me calmly, giving me the proper greeting and inclining her head slightly before looking back down at her work. I furrowed my eyebrow and came closer.
“I am almost done with the household accounts, my lord. I just need to look at a couple more reports and mark them down before my total is done and then it will be ready for you to approve it.”
Every month, the various departments made up reports of their expenses and just where the money allotted to them went. The same was done for profits, and trades. My wife, with the help of Ging Lei, balanced the accounts and made sure that each gold coin was accounted for. I alone held the keys to the treasury and vault, for I had no desire for anyone else to try to steal or skim funds. When I approved of the budget, I would open the treasury for the necessary transactions, or to deposit money from taxes.
“That can wait for tomorrow, wife. I want you in bed now.” I stated, in a husky tone. I had as much of an effect on my wife as she did on me, and the pleasures we shared were many and satisfying. Usually, when I spoke this way, she would hasten to bed, and eagerly share herself with me. Tonight however, she did not look up at me. She continued writing, making neat marks on the paper with her brush.
“Did you not hear what I said? Did I not tell you this morning that the bed was to be warm?”
“I heard you, crystal clear. And the bed is indeed warm, my lord. It should meet your satisfaction.” she replied cryptically.
I was about to ask her just what she meant, but I decided to go and see for myself. The fireplace in her room was lit and cast a cheerful glow about the room. The bed did not look any different to me, but I sensed heat. As a master Firebender, I could feel heat, and I followed it to the foot of the bed. I pulled back the comforter and blankets to see several ceramic lacquered foot-warmers, positioned here and there on the bed to ensure that the sleeper would be warm and comfortable through the night.
o0o0o0o
Katara
The Fire Lord said nothing about the bed-heaters. He said nothing to me either, and breakfast the following morning was spent in silence. I knew he wanted me to apologize and submit, and he stood at the doorway before he left, looking back at me, waiting. I simply stared back at him, thinking about the 'X' I had made on his ass.
The chain was long enough to let me move around to the washroom or other rooms in my apartment, but it stopped about halfway through my front room. Though the settings were comfortable and plush, it did not take long for me to get bored. I longed to go outside and Waterbend, to walk through the gardens or Palace, or to exercise under my martial arts teacher.
I managed to occupy myself with the bookkeeping, writing a letter to my parents, reading a book, and playing some Pai Sho with Hinode, and discussing history with Hana. But this was my second day of confinement, and it was difficult because I did not know how much longer this might go on. I had a small staff of servants, but only Hana and Hinode knew of my chain, and I told them to keep it that way.
I felt terrible about Kuzon, for I knew he had been waiting for me yesterday to fly his new kite with him. This was exacerbated by the fact that I was unable to send a message to him. I had tried to send one, and had Hinode deliver it by hand, only to have her return to me and say that I was barred from all contact with the Prince. That saddened and angered me, and I wondered if Kuzon had tried to send me a message as well.
That night, the Fire Lord came to me again. This time, I gave him a brief greeting and went back to reading my book near the fire.
“Come to bed with me.” he whispered, leaning over so that I could feel his hot breath on my ear. I held back a shiver as he slid his hand along my shoulder.
“Come, my Waterbender. I need you.” he continued, his voice husky. I held back a moan and kept my eyes fixed on the words in front of me even though I was unable to focus on them.
“I want you. You’re so warm… and you taste good. I long to taste of you. I'm so thirsty...” his voice dropped even lower, and I blushed. He was magnificent with using his tongue, and he could do incredible things with it at various points of my body. He took my hand, and started to tug me out of the chair, but I refused to move.
“I cannot enjoy myself as you would want me to, as the shackle is rather uncomfortable.” I stated calmly.
“Understandable. Well, you know what you need to do to get that shackle off.” the Fire Lord retorted just as calmly. I swallowed back a biting remark and stared up at him defiantly, shaking my head.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
After another night of her being cold to me, I decided to try a new tactic. I came to her the next night with lilies, which I knew she adored, moon-peaches, and almond dumplings. I had earrings and a necklace for her, made of silver and sapphire.
She ignored all the presents, and turned away when I tried to touch her. I hated to admit it, but I admired her stubbornness even as it infuriated me.
o0o0o0o
Katara
He came to me the next night, and had the servants bring some tea. I sat across the low table from him calmly, saying nothing to him as I sipped my tea.
“There’s a performance at the Theater Imperial tomorrow night.” he stated. I looked up at him curiously. We had been to the theater last month, for a play. The Imperial was the best theater in the entire city, and the play had been dazzling. It was rare that I was able to travel beyond the Palace walls, so this would be a real treat for me.
‘That sounds wonderful, my lord.” I stated, trying to not sound overly enthusiastic.
“It does, doesn’t it? We’re due for a night out of enjoyment and relaxation.” Zuko stated, sipping his tea and I smiled.
“Perhaps we could take a walk as well.” I suggested and he set down his cup, nodding in agreement.
“Of course, you will need to unchain me.” I pointed out gently.
“How could I forget that?” he responded dryly, “How could I expect you to enjoy the outdoors with a shackle around your ankle?”
“Yes, my lord.” I said, eager for him to do it. He stared at me with a small smirk, and I realized that the offer of going to the theater was another ploy of his. He had to know that I was bored from my confinement, and mentioning the theater or a walk would only make me feel more edgy and desperate to get out of the chain. But I refused to kowtow to him. Instead, I primly extended my leg, the golden shackle in plain view of the Fire Lord. He glanced at it for a moment and back at me.
“Well?” he asked.
“I’m waiting for you to remove the chain. Why don’t you do it, so we can get on with our lives, and I can decide what to wear for tomorrow night?” I asked.
“I’m sure you’re eager to do that, wife, but there is something you must do first.”
“Bastard.” was all I said.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
The next night, neither of us said anything at all. Dinner was silent, and when I touched her, she did not respond. I was trying to be patient, and not to yell at her or order her about. Why did she have to be so stubborn? All I saw was defiance when I stared into her eyes. There was no doubt I admired Katara’s spirit, but I was growing frustrated.
I ran my fingers along her hair and face, I tugged at her robe, I squeezed her hand. Look at me, Waterbender! I mentally commanded her as I touched her chin. She did, and our eyes locked onto each other’s. I silently challenged her to speak or blink, and I could tell by her gaze that she was doing the same.
o0o0o0o
Kuzon
I waited and waited for Miumi to come. She never came when she promised to fly the kite with me. I had asked Nurse where she was, and Nurse said she was busy. I said I wanted her, but Nurse told me to be a good boy and study.
I wrote Miumi a letter and said that I missed her and wanted to play with her. After all, she said I could send her a message whenever I was lonely. Nurse refused to deliver it for me. I asked the guards at my door to please give it to Miumi. But they said that they were under orders.
I waited and waited and I tried to deliver more letters. I wanted to fly my kite. I wanted to play outside. I wanted to be held and sang to and have my forehead kissed. Nurse was always bossing me around and my teachers bossed me too. I could count on all the fingers on one hand how many days I had not seen Miumi.
“I want to go outside!” I said, going up to Nurse. She was knitting a shawl for herself.
“It is too cold, Prince Kuzon.”
“I’ll wear my coat. Miumi always puts a coat on me when it’s cold!”
“It is not her place to raise the Prince. Your father brought me here to take care of you. Not her.”
“I want her!” I stated in my firmest voice. Nurse looked even more sour than usual.
“She has her own duties to do. She’s here to serve the Fire Lord, not you.”
I crossed my arms and turned around to go to my bedroom. I sat in a chair and pouted. I did not cry, because I was Prince of the Fire Nation, and princes did not cry. But I missed her! I was tired of waiting and being told no by Nurse. I was the Prince, and I would become Fire Lord and then everyone would do what I said!
I jumped off my chair and came back into the other room. Nurse looked at me.
“I hope you’re in a better mood now, Prince Kuzon.” she said. I just stared back at her before I walked to the door. She got up and came after me.
“You are to remain in your apartments, my Prince.”
“I’m not your Prince and you can’t tell me what to do!”
“Don’t take that tone with me. It is my duty to take care of you.” Nurse said. I ignored her and continued walking to the door.
“Where do you think you’re going?” she asked. I still ignored her. I reached for the handle and pulled the door open, seeing a few guards and the hallway outside.
“Kuzon, you are to remain in your apartments! You’re only to leave it for lessons and when your Lord calls for you.”
“You can’t tell me what to do! I want to go for a walk!”
“The apartments are big enough for you to walk around. If you’re so bored, do some calisthenics or training. You also have some very nice gifts that you got for your birthday.”
“I’m going outside.” I said in my strongest voice. Nurse jumped from her seat and grabbed my arm, closing the door.
“The Lord has specific orders for your supervision.” she said, “Now, you can be a good Prince, and find something to do, or I can inform the Lord that you are being difficult and disobeying his orders.” she said this with a sniff.
I went to play with my dollhouse. The Fire Lord doll didn’t have a scar on its face like my father did. The Fire Lady doll didn't have blue eyes like Miumi did. But I pretended that they had these, and I put the Fire Lord doll in the throne room, where most of the other dolls were. I put the Fire Lady doll in the garden, and put the little Prince doll in the garden too, next to her. I missed Miumi and I wondered why my father did not like me.
o0o0o0o
Katars
It had been six days now, and I was nearly at the edge of my sanity. Confinement did not suit me well at all, and it was all I could do to not tear my hair out. I had been patient, displaying my defiance towards him in a controlled way. But enough was enough. I wanted out of the chain. I planned to confront him tonight.
Despite the nippiness of the air, I stood out on my balcony, staring out at the expanse before me. Beyond the Palace walls, I could see the ocean, and I felt longing. I wanted to plunge into the ocean and let it take me away. To where, I was not certain.
“My lady… I need to talk with you.” I heard Hana’s voice state calmly behind me. I turned around to look down at her, seeing that she was bowed.
“What is it?”
“As… your loyal companion, I ask for the freedom to speak honestly.” she stated tremulously. My curiosity was piqued, and I approached her, pulling her off her knees.
“You have it. Please… sit down.” I asked, waving towards the furniture. She quickly sat down and looked up at me.
“Please, my lady. Give the Lord what he wants. Submit to him! I hate seeing you like this!” she stated vehemently. I was surprised at the emotion in her voice.
“Why are you saying this now?” I asked. She had faithfully served me all week, and had provided me with plenty of diversions. I did not see or sense any difference in her treatment towards me since I had been chained.
“I don’t want to see him hurt you or worse, my lady. Please… just submit to him. So far, you’ve been well off, and I’ve told those who asked where you were that you were sick, and it is working so far. But he could decide to cut off your supply of food. He could take all of your servants away. You could be moved down to the dungeons. Your rank could be stripped, and you could be demoted to concubine of the lowest rank, or be thrown out altogether! He could order you to be beaten, or whipped. You could be exiled, or sold to one of the nobles for their amusement! Other men might have done any of these things already!” Hana pleaded, reaching out to hold my hands. I was impressed at her display of emotion. We got along well, but I had not thought that she would be so concerned for my welfare. If Zuko did decide to throw me out or some such, Hana would simply go back to live with Kamas.
“Why should you be so concerned for me?” I asked calmly as I let her squeeze my hands.
“Because…” Hana sighed before she looked down.
“You asked to speak truthfully, so do so. And I will not hold it against you.” I quietly encouraged her.
“I consider you as a good friend. I… hope you don’t think me out of place for saying so. I was brought here to be your teacher and companion… but I truly enjoy your company, my lady.”
I stared at her thoughtfully, thinking about the time we had spent together since I had come here, half a year ago. She had taught me so much, and I would be lost without her knowledge. But we also enjoyed walks together, or playing games, or simply chatting. If there were anyone here that I would call a friend, it would be Hana.
I would be sad when she left, for I knew that one day, she would leave me to pursue her own life.
“I don’t know where I would be without you. I am most fortunate that Kamas brought you here. You’ve always been a faithful companion.” I stated softly. On impulse, I wrapped my arms around her shoulders, hugging her. I felt her jump a little in surprise, but then I felt her own arms around my middle.
“Thank you, my lady. You don’t deserve to be chained. Even if you were not at fault… please, just give him what he wants. I hate seeing you like this!” Hana begged, staring up at me with light brown eyes.
I held back a sigh. It would be easy to just submit to Zuko, so that I could get the chain off my ankle. I had considered having Hana Firebend it off my leg, or using water to freeze and break the chain, but Zuko’s warning hung clear in my mind.
“Let us not speak of that anymore. I need to think.” I sighed. Hana nodded and bowed to me before bringing me some tea.
I stood on the balcony in a thick and warm robe, looking at what lay before me. I could see the ocean, and I felt very lonely, knowing that the Palace walls kept me from it.
I remember the day I was brought here. It had been a cool morning, but had quickly warmed in the afternoon as we approached the harbor of Sozun. I had been frightened and nervous about coming to Sozun and had actually contemplated jumping over the side of the Fire Lord’s ship.
But I also remembered the shocking feel of déjà vu I had when I saw the city before me – as if I had been here before. But how had that been possible – when I had never come anywhere near Fire Nation before Zuko took me as his?
I closed my eyes, thinking back on that fateful day when I first set eyes upon my new home. As I had felt that the Fire Lord was eerily familiar to me when I had first seen him, I felt the same about Sozun. Why had the city been so familiar to someone seeing it for the first time? Had I dreamed of it?
I rarely ever remembered my dreams. When I was younger, I would lay in bed moments after I had woken, trying to remember what it was that I dreamed of. Once in a while, I would remember an image, but when I tried to think about it, it would disappear, like a wisp of smoke. I would envy the people who were able to dream and remember, such as my stepmother. She had such lovely dreams that she would sometimes paint them.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. My husband often meditated and while I did not quite get into that practice, there were times when I would take a cleansing breath and take several moments to gather myself.
In my mind, I saw the city again, only I was riding a sky bison.
“How do you feel?” I heard a familiar voice ask, and I turned around to face the Fire Lord – only he looked my age, and his hair was short and shaggy.
“Nervous.” I heard myself say, and he nodded, making his way towards me and placing his hand on my cheek.
“It will be okay, Katara.” Zuko murmured softly, his golden eyes shining. I leaned my head into his hand, taking immense comfort in his presence and touch. I felt his lips press against my forehead and I let out a soft sigh. The end was imminent, and this fast-approaching battle would determine the outcome of the Great War.
“How can we not win? It will soon be over, and then…” he trailed off.
‘Then what?” I asked. I was all too aware of the distance between the two of us – the distance that we had been born with. He was Prince of the Fire Nation, and what was I but a Water Tribe peasant. Though we had already come together, and marked the other, we knew that despite our promise to one another, nothing was written in stone. Would outside forces bring our tenure together to an end, or would he be able to keep me at his side?
“You’ll always be mine, no matter what.” Zuko whispered as he stroked my cheek with his thumb.
I gasped softly, my eyes fluttering open as I felt a gentle hand nudge my arm. I turned to see Hana, with a cup of tea in her hands for me.
“Are you well, my lady?” she asked with some concern. I nodded shakily as I took the tea before sipping it, finding comfort in the hot drink. I closed the door to the balcony to keep out the cold breeze, and sat down in a soft armchair, trying to think about the dream I had just had. Like all the others, it eluded me as I grasped for it. I refused to be thwarted, and closed my eyes, trying to push myself in the state that I had just been in.
I don’t know how long I was in that state, for I had no more visions as much as I tried. I heard the door to my rooms opened and closed, and I also heard Hana’s voice, greeting the Fire Lord. I opened my eyes and finished the rest of my tea even though it was now lukewarm. He came into the room, and sat on the couch across from me, and we regarded each other silently. The tension in the air was thick, but I decided to wait to see what he said before deciding on what I should say.
“I’ve missed you.” the Fire Lord stated evenly as he stared at me.
“You see me every night and stay in my bed.” I replied just as calmly. Even though I refused to give him any intimate favors despite his attempts to get them from me, he came every night like clockwork, trying to wear me down.
“I want things to be as they were before.” he stated, his eyes flickering towards my chain for a moment.
“Then remove it, and we can go on with out lives, my lord.” I replied, folding my hands neatly in my lap after I set down my teacup. The Fire Lord shook his head slowly, and I narrowed my eyes.
“I refuse to apologize for standing up for myself and Kuzon.” I stated firmly.
“Submit to me.” Zuko replied, ignoring my statement.
“I most certainly will not!”
“How long do you intend to carry this… defiance on?”
“How long do you intend to keep this going?” I shot back. Did he really think he could keep me chained, indefinitely? For a moment, I saw a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. I thought about what Hana said.
“If you’re so desperate to see me submit, why not try something more drastic? Throw me in the dungeons, starve me, beat me, kick me out, demote me… you have limitless options at your disposal, my lord.” I stated, sarcasm dripping from my voice in the last two words.
“Is that what you want? Do you want me to push you and see how far this can go?” Zuko shot back challengingly. I faltered for a moment. I most certainly did not want to be harmed, or shamed by losing my status. He smirked even more widely and rose from his seat, advancing towards me.
“Do you wish to challenge me, Waterbender? Do you want to see what I can do to you? I am the Fire Lord, ruler of all he sees… including you.” His voice became darker, and I swallowed nervously as I backed away from him.
“I do not hesitate to punish those who go against my will. My word is law!” he growled. I steeled myself, figuring that if I was going to go down, I might as well go down fighting.
“And I am not Fire Nation! You have no dominion over the Water!” I cried back. He stiffened and smirked.
“What do you think the Water Tribes will say when they find out that the Fire Lord was very much displeased by his Water Tribe wife?”
I didn’t know what to say to that. Our marriage had further cemented the alliance between Fire Nation and Water Tribe, once the news had spread. What if this alliance was to deteriorate because of me? I had no desire to be responsible for that.
“Are… you so willing to punish a tribe because of one person?” I asked.
“Do you want to be responsible for that?” he asked with a growl. I gathered my strength again.
“You’re a bastard, to hold that over my head and against them!”
“I still hold the power.” he replied with a smirk. Spirits above, I hated that smirk. Most of the time, I did not mind it, especially when that smirk promised me pleasure. But at that moment, all I wanted to do was slap it off his face.
I backed away again, and bumped gently against one of the chests that served as a table. On it were several potted plants, and the chest was positioned against the wall, under the window so the plants could receive the light they needed. I enjoyed having plants in my room.
I grabbed one of the ceramic pots, not caring what was in it, and hurled it at the Fire Lord.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I just barely dodged the flying object, and it crashed at the wall behind me. She had a rather good aim, I could not help but think for myself. I roared at her and sped after her, hearing her scream as I chased her. I stepped hard on the chain and when it came short for her, she was jerked downwards and fell to the floor with a pained yelp. I was immediately on top of her, pinning her down and grasping her flailing arms tightly. Since I encouraged her to exercise and Waterbend, she was strong, and it took a bit of effort to keep her down as she railed at me.
“Be silent, Waterbender!” I snarled. Her words about hurting her had shaken me deeply. I knew that I could punish her as I pleased, but I had no desire to hurt her, and the chain had seemed the only viable option to me.
“I h-“ Before she could even finish that sentence, I clamped my hand across her mouth.
“Never, ever say it.” I growled. I never wanted to hear her utter that phrase. She tried to bite my hand, but I remained firm.
“Did you truly want me to hurt you?” I hissed lowly, narrowing my eyes to slits. Her azure eyes were wide, and she did not nod or shake her head.
“Would you truly rather that I bestow upon you some other punishment?” I continued. She did not reply.
“Should I unchain you and toss you into the dungeons, or out of the Palace, with the same rank as a common whore? Would you rather a whip kiss that smooth back of yours?” I growled, shaking her a little. She whimpered, and her eyes clouded over with tears.
I slowly lifted my hand from her mouth. A choking sob escaped her lips, and I was silent for several moments. My heart was pounding, and I listened to her try to choke back her sobs. She turned her head away, avoiding eye contact with me. I held back a sigh and climbed off her, hoisting her up into my arms and carrying her to the bed. Why did I keep messing things up with her? I wish that I knew all the right things to do, for I hated to see her cry.
I lay her on the bed and blanketed myself over her form, looking down at her, trying to command her attention.
“Look at me.” I whispered. She did not do as I asked, but I bit back an angry remark. My hand caressed her face.
“I chained you… because I saw no other way. I don’t want to hurt you… not ever. Do you understand?”
“Go away.” she murmured.
“No, I will not.” I hissed softly, peppering kisses along her face. I had been denied for a week, and I hungered for her. She turned her face further away from my kisses, and I growled, my kisses becoming more ardent. Her hands pushed at me, trying to get me off, but I would not be denied.
“In six months, I will leave you.” she threatened, her voice as cool as the element she manipulated with ease. “I have no reason to stay here, other than Kuzon, but since we are now barred from one another, you leave me with nothing to keep me here. And if you have any honor at all, you will abide by our contract.”
I gave out a low growl as a tight smirk spread across her features. That damned agreement...
“Well then, I'll just keep you chained for six more months.” I snarled back.
“You're pathetic, Zuko. You're jealous of a child!” she barked at me. I covered her mouth again.
“You are mine. And nobody else's. One more word from you and I will have to gag you.” I lifted my hand, and she stared at me with icy blue eyes, obviously fighting back a flood of angry words. I smirked back at her before I settled into her bed.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I woke up the next morning, hearing the Fire Lord's quiet breathing. As I started to move away, I felt him stir, and then he nuzzled my shoulder, murmuring softly. I started to climb out of my bed, but he pulled me back, his hands traveling along my body. His eyes opened, and he stared down at me intently as he ran his hand along my satin-clad arm.
“Why are you in such a rush to leave me?” he murmured, and I stiffened. Had he forgotten the bitter words we had exchanged the night before? I had been certain that reminding him of our contract would have given him pause, but now I would be chained for six more months. Dear spirits, how was I going to handle that? Was there a way I could turn the situation around? I pushed him away, needing some time alone to think about this new development.
I did not notice until I climbed out of bed, that the shackle was gone. I startled a bit to see my ankle bare, and looked around to see the chain. But there was none, not even the other end attached to my bedpost. Why had he done it, when I had refused to apologize or submit?
We both dressed and ate breakfast. I did not ask him about the chain, but he was the one to bring up the subject.
“Enjoy your freedom, wife. Go outside and enjoy the garden, or take a walk. Practice your Waterbending.” Zuko said quietly. I was relieved that he was not asking me to appear in Court.
“Thank you, my lord.” I stated warily. I sensed that he had something else to say. We continued eating, and I took a few bites of my stuffed roll before he spoke again.
“The Prince is off limits to you. You are not to go to his apartments, nor are you allowed contact with him. You have your duties, and he has his. Do not concern yourself with his welfare, he is taken care of and you have no need to fret over him. Leave him be.”
I was silent for several moments. “But, my lord…” I finally managed to say. He narrowed his eyes.
“My word is final.” he stated. Usually, I would have pleaded or argued. But I bowed my head slightly. I was free again, and I would find a way. Let him think he had won.
“Very well.” I sighed.
“Good. Tonight, come to my bed. Wear one of your blue robes.” Zuko replied.
“As you wish, my lord.”
o0o0o0o
Kuzon
“I want to see Miumi!” I said to the nurse. I had painted a picture of her and me, using the watercolors she had given me. I loved painting with all the different colors and brushes. I had painted her and me in the garden and I painted lots of flowers and some turtle-ducks. I also put in the ruby peacocks that belonged to Miumi. She liked the ruby peacocks and had told me that she was going to get some girl peacocks so we could have baby peacocks. I asked her where the baby peacocks came from and she had smiled at me and told me that the spirits gave out babies, or eggs to the birds.
I had asked her that if spirits gave babies, then wasn’t I the son of a spirit? Nurse would have been very annoyed at these questions. But Miumi laughed in a nice way. She told me that sometimes parents asked the spirits for a baby, and when the spirits gave babies, they belonged to the new parents.
My father didn't seem to want me, so why did he ask the spirits for me? I had seen him in Court a few days ago, since I needed to sit and learn about Court. All he had done was nodded at me when I greeted him in the way that I had been taught to do. And Miumi was nowhere to be found. I couldn’t even ask where she was, for I had been told to sit and be quiet.
Nurse scowled and shook her head.
“You are better off without that Water Tribe woman around.”
“I am not! I like her!”
“You’re young. When you grow up, your tastes will be more refined.” she said. I scrunched my nose and shook my head. I didn’t like the perfumed women in Court. When I grew up, I was going to marry a woman who was as sweet as kind as Miumi was. And when I asked the spirits for children, I would welcome them and play with them.
“I like her, and I don’t care what you say! She’s a lot nicer and prettier than you!”
I was taught to not be rude to my elders, and to respect my servants. Kamas said that a servant who was respected would serve his or her master well, while an unhappy servant would not work as well. But Nurse was always so grumpy, even when I obeyed her.
Her mouth twisted in that funny and ugly way that it always did when she became really, really grumpy.
“That woman is a bad influence on you, but I should expect no less from a barbarian. How she captured the Lord’s attention and kept it this long is beyond me. She is fit to only be the lowest of concubines!”
I didn’t exactly know what a concubine was, but I knew the Fire Lord had had them before. Pretty, painted, perfumed women in flowing robes. They fought for my father’s attention, though I was not sure why. He didn’t seem to like them much, and he didn’t let any of them near him since Miumi came.
“You’re a horrible nurse, and I’m telling Miumi you say mean things about her!” I said. Nurse had said other things about the Lady before, calling her backwards or barbarian or dirty peasant.
“You can’t tell her, since you’re not allowed to see her. Nor is she to see you.” she said, and she seemed happy about that.
“When I become Fire Lord, I’ll do anything I want and you can’t tell me what to do!”
“I’m older and I know better. And it is my job to take care of you.”
“All you do is tell me what to do.”
“That is my job – to make sure that you are safe and healthy.”
“Miumi does the same thing for me.” I stated, crossing my arms. Nurse sighed and shook her head.
“Take one of your books and study, or do some calisthenics.”
“I want to go outside.”
“No. It is too cold.”
“It’s not. I have warm robes. And boots.”
“You will stay inside.”
o0o0o0o
Katara
It was a blessing to go outside. Though the flowers were not in bloom, the grounds were still pleasant to walk through, and the crisp breeze was one that I welcomed. Having been born in the snowfields of the North Pole, this cool breeze felt good, and I lifted my head, taking a deep breath. I dreaded summer, for I could only imagine how hot it would become. I had come here at the end of summer, and it had been warm enough then.
I checked my garden and spoke with the groundskeeper, who informed me that he had located two young ruby-peahens and would be receiving them soon. I was pleased to hear the news. The turtle-ducks had migrated south, where it was warmer at this time of the year, so I had only the peacocks to feed. I trained them well, and they would take food from Kuzon's or my hand. I fed and petted them before I practiced some Waterbending.
I moved the water furiously, directing my anger into my bending. I was glad to be unchained without having to apologize for my ‘insubordination’, but for him to be like this to his son…
My father had been a busy man as well, and was often gone for days, even weeks, on business trips. But he had shown me that he loved me nonetheless. When he had the time, he made the most of it, making my mother and I feel cherished and later on, my stepmother as well. Even though we missed him, we were happy in knowing that he loved and missed us.
It hurt me to see how Kuzon pined for affection or approval from his father. He was so young, and I knew that younger children needed validation, to know that what they did made their parents happy. And without me around, who else was there to look after him, to form a parent-child bond like I did?
My resolve was strengthened, and after I had bathed and had some tea, I strode to the Prince’s apartment, knowing that by now all of his lessons were done.
But as soon as I entered, his nurse stepped in my way. I narrowed my eyes, knowing that she was aware of Zuko’s order. But I would not be denied.
“Step aside.” I stated in an icy and regal tone.
“The Fire Lord has given me orders.”
“I don’t care. Step aside!”
“You may be his wife, but he is King.” she replied rather haughtily. I had no doubt she was amused by this, and happy to have an excuse to defy me. Without warning, I shoved her aside and ignored her yells as I strode through the room. In the other room, I saw my stepson playing with his dollhouse, though he looked rather sad and lonely. I watched him play for several moments.
“Hello, Kuzon.” I said softly. Kuzon looked slightly startled, but he turned his head to look up at me. His eyes widened a little as I held out my arms. After a moment, he was instantly on his feet and racing towards me.
It felt good to have his little body in my arms, and I hugged him tightly. He responded in kind, his arms wrapped around my neck tightly as I scooped him up.
“I missed you, Miumi.” Kuzon whispered as I stroked his back with one hand, my other arm holding him close.
“Missed you too.” He seemed almost as if he might cry, but he nuzzled me and lay his head on my shoulder. I decided to not say anything else for a bit, and sat down on a cushion, continuing to rub his back. He continued to cling to me, clearly not wanting me to go, so I let him remain in my lap. He relaxed, and lay his head against my chest after unwrapping his arms from my neck, and I stroked his hair gently as I hummed a song to him. After I finished the song, I looked down at him.
“So, what have you been up to all week? How have your lessons been going?” I asked. He told me about his lessons and the new Firebending move he was learning at that time, and I listened to him attentively, asking him a question here and there. I suspected he didn’t have anyone else to talk with in this way, and I let him tell me whatever he wanted to.
When he was done, he looked up at me with big golden eyes, and asked me how my own week had been. I did not tell him that I had been chained.
“I made something for you.” Kuzon stated suddenly, climbing off my lap. I smiled as I started to get up, but he shook his head.
“Stay here, please.” he asked and I nodded. He went over to his desk, and I saw several paintings that had been put out to dry. He lifted one, and from under this, he found another painting. He took this one and approached me shyly, holding it so that I could not see what he had painted.
I waited patiently and smiled as he flipped around the paper, and I gasped softly. While it was obviously painted by a child, I saw that he had the potential to become a great artist should his talent be nurtured. I had no problem discerning the objects in the picture, or the setting.
I saw myself and the Prince, in my garden, amidst a profusion of flowers, and I picked out turtle-ducks and a ruby peacock.
“It’s a wonderful painting, Kuzon! I can’t believe how well you painted this!” I said with a smile. He smiled back at me, drinking in my praise like a flower would sunlight or water.
“I’m going to keep this, and I will always cherish it.” I stated with a soft smile and he came closer. I extended my arm, and pulled him into a hug.
o0o0o0o
Kuzon
I was happy she liked the painting and that she would always keep it. I always wanted her to be happy with me. She was always so nice to me and made me feel good about myself even though I knew she did not have to. I wished she were my real mother. I could not remember my own and sometimes I wondered why she had left. She probably didn’t want me either, like the Fire Lord didn’t want me.
“You’ll always be here?” I asked as I looked up at her. She smiled and nodded, though she looked a little sad. We played with my dollhouse for a little. She sat next to me and asked me where the dolls were and why I put them where they were. I had put the Fire Lord and Lady doll in one of the hidden rooms. It was because I knew that my lord was hiding Miumi from me. When I told her that she looked very sad, and then she took the Fire Lady doll out and put it in my hand.
“She’s not hiding from you now. She did not want to hide from you before.” Miumi said quietly, as she squeezed my hand. I felt happy.
It started to become dark, so I used my Firebending to light a couple of lamps for us. We continued to play and then she sang me another song. I sat in her lap and cuddled up to her. She was always so soft and warm.
The door to my room slammed open, and I opened my eyes, seeing the Fire Lord. He looked so tall and regal as he always did, and he looked mad. It was scary. His eyes narrowed, and I felt Miumi hug me more tightly. He did not even look at me.“What are you doing here?” he asked Miumi. He sounded so harsh.
“Visiting Kuzon.” I heard Miumi say. She sounded so strong. I know anyone else would have tried to hide from the Fire Lord when he was so mad.
“Did I not tell you that you were not to do so?”
“You have no right to deny me the company of someone, or to deny your son as well.” Miumi sounded angry now. I looked up at her.
“I do as I see fit.”
“And what is that? Depriving your son of someone he needs and cares about?” she shot back. I whimpered and hugged her more tightly.
“Put the him down and come with me. Now.” my father said. He had his hand out. I simply hugged Miumi even more, and she hugged me back too. My sire looked at me, finally.
“Let go of the Lady, and get off her lap.” he said. I was ready to obey – I always obeyed him. But then I thought about how mad he was and how sad and angry Miumi was. Why should he be so mad with us and say that we could not see each other? Why did he not like me? I was an obedient son. I worked hard in my lessons and did not question the Fire Lord. But it did not matter. He did not like me. He did not even want me.
“I said let go. And I mean it.” he growled, sounding almost like a dragon.
“I want to be with Miumi!” I said. Miumi cared about me. She loved me! He didn’t! I felt her stroke my hair.
“I don’t care. I had orders, and you both defied them.” my sire said.
“Why are you doing this to Kuzon? I was merely playing with him and talking with him – is it so terrible for me to give him some of my time?”
“Kuzon is not your concern. He does not need to be coddled. You are not his mother, nor is it your place to care.”
“I may not have given birth to him, but I am here, and he needs a mother.”
“I don’t want you to go!” I pleaded as I looked up at her. She nodded and stroked my cheek.
“Leave now and because of your defiance Kuzon, I am canceling your next lessons with Kamas, and you will copy the imperial poem of filial piety, a hundred times.” the Fire Lord stated.
I hated copying. I was usually obedient, but there was one time that I displeased my sire. My punishment had been to copy that poem but ten times. The tutor said that it was to impress the lesson from the poem. A hundred times would be so awful!
“That’s a unfair punishment!” Miumi cried out.
“It is a necessary punishment for a disobedient son.”
“He is a well behaved and wonderful child. He asks only for one thing and you would take it from him!”
“He has no right to ask for anything when he is provided for.”
“Why not?”
“Because I am the Fire Lord and allow him to be my heir. He does not need what you believe he needs.”
“He only asks for one thing, ONE thing!” Miumi screamed back at him. I was afraid, and curled up in her arms. My sire was scary.
“Stay with me.” I begged Miumi again. She kissed my forehead, and I could see that the Fire Lord did not like that.
“Just one thing is all I ask for and that is to be able to spend time with Kuzon, please.” she pleaded. She was brave to stand up to the Fire Lord.
“No.” he said. She started crying softly and I felt angry at that. She did not need to cry. She should always be happy. The Fire Lord was mean to make her cry!
I saw him move toward us. I knew he was going to pull us apart. He would keep us apart forever! He would take away this wonderful and special person that always made me happy. Why did he have to be mean to her? Why did he hate me?
I saw his hand reach for me, and I reached up to hit it. I was so mad that I didn’t even realize that my hand had bended a little fire. I heard him roar in surprise and jerk his hand away.
“I hate you!” I screamed, angry tears coming down my face. I was taught to not cry, because I was supposed to be strong. But I could not hold it back. I had tried so hard to make my sire happy with me, and he just hated me!
“I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!” I kept screaming. He just stared at me and he looked very surprised. I felt Miumi stroke my hair and try to calm me, but I kept screaming.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I don’t think anyone was more shocked than the Fire Lord by Kuzon’s defiance. I tried to soothe him as he screamed hate at his father. He was crying too. I had never seen him cry, and my husband was holding his hand, which apparently pained him. I quickly realized what Kuzon had done.
He stopped speaking in words and I was relieved to hear him stop screaming about how he hated his sire. But that was not the end of it. Instead of merely falling silent, he took a deep breath and let out a long, wordless shriek.
I jiggled him a little to distract him, but he continued shrieking, and he became red in the face. I started rubbing his back frantically, trying to compel him to stop, and take a breath.
“Shh Kuzon, shh, take a deep breath.” I whispered as I stroked his cheek.
“No! Why does he have to hate me! I always try to be a good son! I hate him! I wish he would just go away forever!” he shrieked. I looked up in alarm, and was unprepared for the look of shock and pain in my husband’s eyes. Kuzon shrieked again and I had to shake him gently as his voice died down. His tears tugged at my heart, and I had to stop myself from crying.
How could Zuko have let his relationship with Kuzon become so that the boy actually thought his father hated him? I rocked him back and forth, rubbing his back as he cried into my shoulder.
“I’m here.” I whispered as I stroked his hair, wanting nothing more than to soothe him and show him that he was indeed worthy of being loved. He whimpered and clung to me as his breath came out in choking sobs, and I ignored my husband, concentrating on my stepson and my efforts to calm him down.
My husband turned around and left. I sat on the Prince’s bed, and continued to rock him as his sobs died down. He looked so pained, and I wiped his cheeks with the sleeve of my robe. I soothed him further by singing one of my Water Tribe lullabies, in a gentle tone, and he whimpered, burying his face against my chest.
“Please, don’t leave me.” he moaned, and I looked down at him. It would indeed be cruel to leave him here for the night with that nurse of his. I nodded.
“Would you like to sleep in my bed?” I asked. He nodded.
I set him down, so he could use the washroom for his nightly ritual. After he washed his hands and cleaned his teeth, I let him pick out his own pajamas to wear, and put him in a soft and warm robe. He sniffled softly, and I smiled down at him reassuringly as I scooped him up in one arm, and he clung to my side.
“You have displeased the Fire Lord greatly. See what happens when a barbarian steps out of her place.” Mara's eyes glittered in contempt as she stared at me when I came into the other room. I did something I should have done a long time ago – I slapped her. She stumbled back, and without another word, I strode out of the Prince’s apartments.
When his guards came after me, I nodded to them, asking them to stand guard at my door. Since they were to guard the Prince, there would be no conflict in going to where he would be.
I had a servant fetch some soothing tea, and I sat Kuzon on the edge of my bed. I let him look around my bedchamber, seeing how different it was from his. His own bedchamber was like Zuko’s, but on a smaller scale, with the walls painted a dark red, with golden dragons emblazoned on them.
“I like this room.” Kuzon stated softly, and I smiled as I stroked his hair. In a short time, tea was brought to us, and I placed a cup in his hands.
I knew my husband wanted me to go to his room tonight, but with the recent turn of events, I was not sure what to expect from him. If he was going to punish me, he would do so, and I doubted that staying in here would change it.
In a short time, I blew out all the lamps but one, and pulled back the thick blankets of the bed, inviting Kuzon to make himself comfortable. He looked almost out of place amidst the blue and white bedding in his red pajamas, but I simply smiled as he lay his head down on a pillow. He looked rather exhausted, and it was not hard to see why. I stroked his hair, and tucked the blankets under his chin.
“Miumi?” he whispered as he looked up at me, rubbing one of his eyes. I nodded.
‘Thank you for wanting me.” he whispered. I placed a kiss on his forehead.
“I care about you, Kuzon. I don’t like seeing you unhappy.” I whispered. He smiled a little and stared up at me.
“Mama.” he murmured. I paused for a moment, wondering if he was so tired that he had slurred my name.
“Can I call you that?” he asked. I smiled a little.
“Why would you wish to call me that?” I asked gently as I brushed a few silken black strands from his face.
“I never had one. And a mama cares about a child, right? You care about me, you said so.” he said softly. I felt warmed by his words. He started to sit up, seeming to have another thought.
“I am Prince of the Fire Nation, next in line to the power of Agni. I decree that you are my mother.” Kuzon stated, trying to keep his voice strong despite his exhaustion. I could not help but smile.
“Well… if the Prince of the Fire Nation says it is so… then it must be so.” I replied softly, though in all seriousness. He smiled happily, and lay back down, letting me tuck the blanket under his chin.
“Good night, Kuzon.” I whispered as I looked down at him. He looked a lot happier and peaceful now, and I was glad that I had brought him here, instead of leaving him to cry for himself in his own bed.
“Good night, Mama.”
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Kiss of Fire