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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
- 24
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- 26
Kiss
of Fire
Chapter 25 – Heating Up
o0o0o0o
Katara
My heart pounded with anticipation as I saw the party advance through the large double doors. I sat in my usual place as Royal Consort, atop a comfortable seat with Kuzon at my side. I had dressed for this balmy day, in a sleeveless one-piece red silk robe embroidered with a gold phoenix wrapping around my body, along with golden arm and wristbands on my bare arms, and a golden fire-comb in my hair. Kuzon wore a black and red silk sleeveless robe and black pants, with little black silk slippers on his feet, his hair tied back with a golden ribbon and a small fire-comb.
My husband was the most impressive of all, dressed in one of his formal robes made for summer-wear, long-sleeved but made of lightweight silk. He sat in the Dragon Throne, truly belonging there and radiating an aura of power and sureness. The Dragon Throne was more than just his birthright… it was his divine right.
The windows were open, admitting sunlight and bringing out all the warm colors in the pillars, floor, and décor. The room was built to impress guests, and even I was in awe when I sat with my husband in Court, after almost a year of being here. Just behind my husband, on the wall, was a beautiful mural of Agni himself, amongst fire and other intricate patterns, which was artfully made to complement the Dragon Throne and add majesty to whoever sat in it.
I could see the expressions on the faces of the small group of Earth Kingdom delegates as the majesty of the surroundings hit them. They were awed, and I held back a smile. I sat there, my chin raised, my hands in my lap, fulfilling my role and appearance as the Fire Lord’s consort to my fullest.
The ambassadors from Omashu approached the throne and bowed, inclining their heads. Since they were not Zuko’s subjects, they were exempt from the kowtow, but they were still required to show him respect, for being their host.
I wondered if Enki would be here or like Zuko had said, send someone else in his stead. I would have gambled on the latter, but to my surprise, there he was. Unlike the others, he did not incline his head to Zuko or offer him the slightest respect. I saw him glance my way, and our eyes met for a moment. I offered no encouragement or acknowledgment. He had yet to acknowledge Zuko, and to be greeted and welcomed in the proper way by my husband. Even if the rules were more relaxed, I still would have waited, for I had no desire to encourage the King of Omashu at all. Not just because I was married, but because I felt nothing for him. The sight of him did not rouse any of the old feelings I had when I had my crush on him. Good.
I saw a flash of displeasure in his eyes – it was almost as easy as reading a book. He hadn’t changed much since I had left, really.
The Fire Lord’s greeting was formal and cool, his tone regal as he welcomed Enki to the Fire Nation and gave out a brief speech about how welcome the Earth Kingdom men were to enjoy the pleasures of Fire Nation, and how he sincerely hoped that the problems between Omashu and the Fire Nation could be quickly solved. The speech was to the point, with just a few flowery words here and there, which Zuko had added in there due to my advice. I had pointed out that while most things were better off said bluntly, a speech regarding this situation needed to sound more… pleasant, so as to not ruffle any feathers, or as few as possible.
Enki responded in kind with a speech of his own; most likely written by one of his own advisers. Unlike Zuko’s, his speech was more long-winded and self-important. I could practically feel the Fire Lord’s irritation as we all listened to the King of Omashu’s prattling. When the speech was over, I barely even remembered half of it.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I set my jaw, careful to not show outward signs of impatience or irritation as I listened to his speech. He – or one of his advisors, was most likely – worded the speech to make it sound as if it was more our fault than theirs. The speech was long-winded and I had to listen carefully to read between the lines, so to speak.
I did not miss the way my wife and Enki glanced at one another, and had to hold back a frown of displeasure.
The long table almost groaned under the weight of the banquet upon it, and the smells of spices filled the air. On my left side, my wife sat. At my right, my son. On either side of us were various members of my trusted council. Earth Kingdom men made up the other half of the table. I had made sure that the number of Fire and Earth people were even.
The King of Omashu was like a picky child. He frowned at most of the dishes, and went so far as to demand modifications on several of the dishes. There were a wide variety of dishes here, something to appeal to everyone. Even the pickiest eater in the Fire Nation would have found something to please his palate.
Had my son acted in Enki’s manner, the least he could have expected was a stern reprimand, and dismissal from the table. I almost expected the King of Omashu to throw a screaming fit, like a spoiled child.
“How can you eat like this every day? Don’t your tongues burn off?” he commented as he ventured to try a dish which seemed to appeal to him. Many of the dishes were spiced, as was the usual of Fire Nation cuisine, but there were a good variety of milder dishes. My wife was silent during the entire banquet.
My son, at six years, had far more manners than Enki. He ate with small bites, politely and gracefully declined dishes he did not like as he chose what would go on his plate, and asked in a soft but firm voice when he wanted something from one of the platters out of his reach. I was proud of him for behaving himself in such a proper way.
o0o0o0o
Katara
It was the day after Enki’s arrival. The nitty-gritty of the summit was closed to all but those people concerned, so I was excluded from the meetings. I did not mind, though I knew my husband would be in for a difficult time, to have to deal with the King of Omashu’s demands.
I had taken the opportunity to host a tea party, since some of the councilors and noblemen would be busy in the summit. As Fire Lady, one of my duties was hostess. At the parties I hosted, I let everyone else do the talking while I listened, making appropriate comments and asking questions, while making sure that everyone was comfortable and entertained.
It helped me to ease into my life here, and learn more about Fire Nation. Since the day was pleasant, I decided to hold it outside in one of the gardens, next to the lake. We sat under the shade of cherry-blossom trees and parasols, a summer breeze blowing along the gentle slope of the lakeside.
I was dressed similarly to yesterday, in a sleeveless robe. This time, the robe had a short slit along the back, up to my knees. Hinode sat near me, to attend to my needs, while other servants milled about, keeping at hand with tea, water, treats, dishes and napkins. I laughed at a humorous story being told by Miharaki, and as she heard me laugh, she smiled back at me. I counted her among my small circle of friends.
Two things kept me from making too many friends – my status as Fire Lady, and my heritage as a Water Tribe woman – though more the latter than the former. I didn’t let it bother me overly much, as I preferred to spend time with my husband, my son, the occasional outing with Miharaki, Hana, and a few others to the theater or shopping trips, and doing my lessons and hobbies rather than spend a exhausting amount of time over silly things like gossip, keeping Hau and others like her at a distance.
The laughter suddenly died down and I frowned a little, wondering for a moment if it was my doing. But I saw the gaze of several of the women, and twisted around. My jaw almost dropped when I saw Enki, accompanied by a couple of Earthbender guards. I gave him a polite greeting, my heart pounding. He returned it in kind, approaching us.
“Your Highness, I thought you would be with my husband, working on an agreement that would be good for both of your nations.” I stated graciously. He didn’t seem to enjoy my referring to the Fire Lord as my husband, despite the truth of the fact.
“He decided to call for a recess, so that we could have lunch. I decided to get some fresh air. I don’t know how anyone can live in such a stuffy Palace!”
I knew he meant it as an insult to Zuko, and was hoping for me to come to his side. I refused to do such a thing.
“It’s a nice place to live in, and if I need fresh air, I simply come out here.” I replied placidly before I sipped my tea. I was more than grateful that I had Hana at one side, and another noblewoman sitting near my other side, so Enki could not come and sit next to me. He noticed the seating, and merely plopped down on the thick grass, positioning himself so that he looked down at us from the gentle slope of the small hill.
“It’s so much better out here, on this nice earth than in there, where it’s all stuffy and dark and smelly.” he stated. Did he have no tact? I noticed a few of the women stealing glances at one another. I shared their horror.
“I would think it is rude, to insult your host’s home and surroundings.” I stated in my most placid and sweet tone, as Hana refilled my teacup.
“My palace in Omashu is better, surely you agree, as you’ve been there a few times. Surely, you miss it?” he continued, staring right at me. Inwardly, I cringed. I had never spoken of Enki before, and my past before I came here was rather sketchy to everyone here save for a very scant handful. Women like Hau would twist the story around and make it into something it wasn't.
“Sure, the Palace was nice and my family and I enjoyed it, but my husband’s Palace is also nice. I see no reason to complain about being here.” I responded with a slightly firm edge to my tone, “And neither should you. I am aware that you may be homesick, but you’ll be returning to Omashu soon enough, right?”
He seemed displeased that I was not taking his side, or his bait, but he shrugged.
“Perhaps you are correct, lady Miumi. But are you not homesick as well? You stick out like a sore thumb, among these ladies.” he asked casually. I set my jaw, wanting to throttle him. It was too bad that my position as the Fire Lord’s consort meant that my behavior was under close scrutiny at all times, especially in Court and other public settings.
“I do miss my family. But the Fire Lord keeps me comfortable and happy. I am fortunate to be so blessed. Do you intend to remain with us for your lunch? I am sure that the stories and gossip of us ladies would bore you.” I stated, quickly changing the subject.
“Eh, you’re right. Why don’t you talk about your hair and clothes and whatever.” Enki replied gruffly, before taking his leave. I held back a sigh of relief, before glancing over at Hana. She bowed her head slightly, a small smile on her lips.
“I do believe we had been having a good laugh at Miharaki’s story. Would you have another clever story up your sleeve?” I asked the woman in question pleasantly. She smiled back at me, and seemed about to speak, when another voice cut in.
“My lady, you never told us that you were previously acquaintances with the King of Omashu!” an all-too familiar voice said, the tone sweet and polite, yet cutting across the atmosphere like a knife. It came to no surprise that Hau should pounce in like this, but I still dreaded it. She had remained a constant thorn in my side all this while, and was sore at me for two things – the fact that I was married to Zuko, and that my ruby-peacocks were sweet and compliant pets to me. I'm not sure which one pissed her off more, though. It's not my fault she could not tame the dragon or a couple of birds.
Whenever she could, she sent barbs my way, making fun of my culture, my heritage, my appearance any way that she could without sounding too obvious. Her snide and sneaky insults truly got under my skin, though I tried to not show it. Her ‘clique’ was of a like mind, and I avoided them whenever I could, though when I hosted large tea parties such as this, it would be rude to not invite them.
“Really, it is of no great import. My father is a businessman and trader, and the King of Omashu and the elite enjoy the goods he provides them with. He was invited to the Palace a few times, and I came along with him. It was merely coincidence that I should encounter the King himself.” I shrugged.
“Be as it may, there seems to be more than what you’re telling us.” Hau stated, her smile as sweet as honey. Several women glanced at her curiously, then back at me. I most certainly was not going to tell them what had happened between Enki and myself. I decided to send a barb her way, for once.
“Are you so bored that you must look too closely at every insignificant thing, and make more of than what is actually there?” I asked demurely. I saw her twist her lips in displeasure, and I turned back to Miharaki.
“You had something to tell us, before lady Hau cut in.”
o0o0o0o
Kuzon
I was very bored. I knew that being here in the council room was a big honor. My father and I got along better, and he invited me to join him and Mama more often. But I wished he had not invited me to this. It was hard sitting still for so long. I tried my best to look dignified.
I could tell that my father was getting upset. He didn’t shout or say angry things. But I could feel it. He clenched his jaw. Mama clenched her jaw when she was mad too. The King of Omashu was boring. He repeated himself a lot. He kept asking for more land, and my father said no. Well, not ‘no’ like that. But he was being careful, using sneaky words. I wondered why everyone didn’t just say what they wanted without giving long speeches.
But I remembered a lesson from Kamas. He said that sometimes one had to be sneaky and careful to get what one wanted. And sometimes saying ‘no’ would just make the person mad. Kamas said that sometimes it was better to distract them. Or put it off and say you needed to think about it. Or offer something else that was nice but was of little value, at least to myself. Father was doing all three.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
The arguing in this room reminded me all too much of the days after the War, where no one could seem to agree on the best course of action after the war. Many people thought that ending the War was surrender. They wanted to keep fighting, no matter the cost. A hundred years of war had placed them into that mindset, and a small part of me understood. Before I was exiled, I had been fed the same propaganda, groomed to be a leader to the Nation, regardless of war or peace. My tutors had emphasized how the Fire Lord must be a pillar of strength for his Nation; just as Sozin, Azulon, and Ozai had done. While the Fire Nation had won many victories – gaining new lands, setting up new towns, encouraging the citizens to make large families for a hold on these lands, and expanding the Nation as much as we could.
After the War, I had an assessment done of the Fire Nation’s current holdings. At that point, our land holdings made us more of an empire. But the Nation itself was also spent. Not entirely, but a hundred years of constant struggle had taken its toll. A huge amount of resources had been used for military purposes; both from the land and from the people.
When I had first suggested that the war cease, many of the nobles were outraged. The sheltered life of the Fire Nation capital – where there was no fighting – hid them from the truths of war. My travels had exposed the stark reality to me. They refused to see this reality, telling me in no unclear terms that I must finish what my honored ancestor had started.
The next decade was filled with intrigue. Some of the nobles left court, intending to cripple me without their support. There were people, in various parts of the land, who wished to continue fighting. Corrupt Fire Nation generals broke away from my rule, becoming renegade along with whatever soldiers they could convince to stay at their side. The same was said about some generals on the Earth Kingdom’s side. I almost despaired, and actually allowed myself to consider taking my life a couple of times, thinking that I was not strong enough to resolve the problems that plagued my Nation from outside and from inside.
I had to work on strengthening a proud but battered Nation while at the same time defending it from outsiders who sought to take chunks from it, and from those inside who also saw fit to try to take. It was an arduous task to maintain the economy, to make sure that the Nation had enough money and wealth, while trying to make a reasonable tax system to get this money without overtaxing already-tired citizens. I already knew, before I defeated my sire, that being Fire Lord would not be a easy task. It was one thing to run a country in times of peace, or close to it. But to maintain a war-ravaged country and get it back on its feet?
If not for the unwavering support of my uncle, the Avatar, Sokka and the Water Tribe, and Toph and the Beifongs, along with other people, things would be different now.
But all of my trials had taught me valuable lessons, and strengthened me. I ruled the Nation with a firm hand, and when a problem arose, I did my best to resolve it.
And the King of Omashu was another problem on my list. It mattered not that I had given Omashu back to King Bumi. The reason why I insisted on keeping some of the lands the Fire Nation conquered was so that my people would have land on the Continent. Having your nation contained solely within a collection of islands severely limited resources and growth.
And the Water Tribes needed land as well, for the same reason the Fire Nation did. And I knew that ever since I had signed over some land to them, they had made good use of the warmer lands, since constant ice and snow made some things very difficult or unfeasible. The distribution of land between the three peoples were now much fairer, with the Earth Kingdom owning just slightly more land than the Fire Nation did.
Enki was little more than a spoiled child. He had a resemblance to Bumi – or what I imagined Bumi to look like in his youth – but he had none of Bumi’s intelligence, or odd wit. He seemed to not want to see things from anyone else’s point of view, no matter who that person was.
I saw my son out of the corner of my eye, looking every bit the obedient and filial son that he was. I was proud of him. I knew he was bored, and many children his age would have been squirming around or whining. He would be an excellent Fire Lord when the time came.
We had been in here for hours. Lunch seemed a distant memory. All I wanted to do some Firebending and training, and relax with a warm shower before having dinner with my wife and son.
Tempers were being pushed to the breaking point. My men were becoming frustrated as well. I could practically feel the tension in the room, and knew that attempting further talk would just cause more friction.
“We’re all tired and hungry. I think it would be most conductive to continue negotiations tomorrow.” I stated simply.
o0o0o0o
Katara
It felt nice to be alone again after the events of yesterday at the tea ceremony, and have lunch by myself. It felt good to extricate myself from the subtle prodding questions of Lady Hau and her accomplices, who despite my attempts to change the subject earlier, refused to give up. I wanted to throttle her and do some Waterbending against her. I honestly did, and wished that it were not so ‘undignified’ to do so. Manners were one thing, but some of the Court rules of etiquette… ugh.
The Imperial Library boasted an impressive collection. There were books, scrolls, maps, and old paintings. There were three smaller and separate sections for information and history on the Water Tribes, Air Nomads, and Earth Kingdoms, set up by my husband to expand knowledge and gain a better understanding of other cultures. Zuko had freely shared his information with the Water Tribes, as well as what parts of the Earth Kingdom were willing to ally with him, in exchange for them doing the same. He shared no great secrets – not that I expected him to, or the Tribes, but the information that was shared was beneficial to both nations. Sometimes I would wander through the Water Tribe section, reading up on the North and Southern tribes, for I barely remembered one, and had never seen the other.
This afternoon, I found myself in the Fire Nation section. I strolled the aisles, wondering what I would read today. Would it be some history, or some literature or poetry?
I was by myself – definition being that I did not have my attendant or servants with me, and the only other occupants of the library were my guard, and the librarian. The librarian was in another wing, archiving new additions, and my guard was just around the corner, in my peripheral vision. I found a book that caught my interest, and plucked it off the shelf, heading over to the table right under one of the large windows. The afternoon sun provided plenty of illumination, and I settled down on the cushion as I opened the book.
I wondered how the meeting between my husband, his council, Enki, and his advisers were coming along. Not too well, I imagined. If Enki’s behavior and speech in the throne room was any indication…
I gasped softly when I realized I was not alone. I had noticed a movement of green fabric, and looked up to see none other than the King of Omashu himself, looking down at me. I quickly collected myself, folding my hands on the table calmly. I noticed my guard move closer, and I was glad he did. It was most improper for a lady to be alone with a male who was not her blood relative. My husband knew he need not worry, and I had never given any servant anything to gossip about.
He plopped down on the cushion across the table from me. And I do mean plop, rather than taking his seat gracefully. I remembered him doing that several times in Omashu. I was instantly uncomfortable around him. The way he had looked at me upon his arrival and again at the banquet was most unwelcome. Him showing up at the tea ceremony and his tactless comments infuriated me.
“I didn’t think the meeting would be ended so soon, your Highness.” I stated politely, mentally scrambling for a plausible excuse to slip away.
“Negotiations are over for today… lady Miumi.” Enki said. Oh, great. Would he spend his free time trying to get my attention?
“I hope they went well.” I stated neutrally. He gave me a noncommittal shrug.
“It could have been better.” he stated. No doubt it could have been better for Zuko, as well. I did not envy my husband.
“Such are the affairs of state.” I replied, giving no inflection to my tone. I wanted him to go away.
“Don’t be like that.” Enki replied in a cajoling tone.
“Like what? I’m just sitting here, reading my book, enjoying the warm afternoon sun and the fresh air. I assume that the hospitality given here suits you?” I asked.
“It’s not the same as home. It’s far too warm here. How do you manage?”
“With light clothing, with fans, with ice, with Waterbending.” I replied, refusing to take his bait and encourage him, “At least I don’t need to worry about freezing cold nights.”
“Fire Nation is too hot. Water Tribe lands is too cold. Omashu’s perfect.” he stated with a proud smirk. I had to hold back a scoff of disgust. Tui and La, deliver me, I prayed silently.
“My lady, you have an appointment with Ging Lei shortly. You asked me to remind you at this time.” my guard stated. Wait a minute. I didn’t have an appointment with Ging Lei today. I was about to say that, when I realized what had just happened.
“You will have to forgive me, your Highness. The duties of the Fire Lady are many.” I said, quickly excusing myself. When I was sure that no one would hear us, I laughed softly before I turned to my guard.
“Remind me to add a bonus to this month’s pay.” I said with a small smirk. He smiled back, a kind, respectful smile. He was one of my most trusted guards, and we got on well. He was a kind and clever man, ever vigilant in his duty. I was more than certain that his family would also appreciate the bonus.
“All part of the job, my lady. It is my duty to protect you.”
“And you do it well.”
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I came through the hidden door to my wife’s bedchamber. The soothing blue and white surroundings helped me to forget that I was Fire Lord, that I had a nation to run and problems to solve.
My wife sat in front of her mirror, without a servant to help her with her nightly routine. I admired her independence and watched as she tied her hair back in a loose braid. I approached her silently, my presence made apparent by the mirror. She stared at our reflections as I stood behind her, my hands on her shoulders.
“Hello, my lord.” she said softly. I smiled a little. After such a long day, I needed solace, and I found it in her presence. I was not unaware of Enki’s encounters with my wife. One of the duties of her guards was to report to me. It was not that I did not trust her, but I wanted to make sure she was safe, and to be aware of any potential problems.
“Hello.” I replied softly, lowering my head to place a kiss on the top of her head. She smiled and rose from her seat gracefully, clad in a loose silk robe that was the hue of the sky.
“You must be tired after a long day, my lord.” Katara whispered as we laid down in her bed.
“Be glad that you’re not required to sit in the council room.” I murmured. I felt her hands push at me, and I was rolled over onto my stomach.
I felt small but strong hands firmly rub and knead my back, and I gave out a soft groan of contentment. When I made that sound, I heard a soft chuckle before I found lips pressed to the side of my face.
I had been planning to ask her what happened with Enki, what he had said to her. But now was definitely not the right time, and I remembered all too well her defensiveness the last time I had brought him up. I closed my eyes, and let her massage me, simply enjoying her attentions.
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Kiss of Fire