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The Price of Peace	By : Looneyluna Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female > Katara/Zuko Views: 19166 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Summary – Intimate moments between couples.

Interlude Thirteen –

Looking out the window of her quarters, the Fire Lord’s concubine sighed, chanting the litany of his words again and again. “Do not believe anything you hear.” Jia Li held her knees as she rocked back and forth.

She owed Iroh so much. How could she believe the vicious rumors of palace servants? Fire Lord Zuko was dead. Iroh was now the ruler of his nation. She never knew Lord Zuko, but she had heard rumors of the affection between uncle and nephew. How could things have gone so horribly wrong?

Is it possible he killed his own nephew? Did she dare believe the gossip?

It had been three days since she had seen the retired general or her son. Since then, she had been allowed limited access to a nearby courtyard -- two guards at her side, reminding her of the “protection” Iroh offered.

“What is the meaning of this?” a shrill voice echoed against the walls of the courtyard that led to the stables.

Curious, Jia Li leaned against the wall and watched the scene unfold before her. It was pandemonium as a line of carriages was loaded for what appeared to be a long trip home.

“By order of Fire Lord Iroh, all foreign dignitaries are to be escorted to the border of the Fire Nation,” a Fire Sage read from a scroll. “He sends his deepest regrets, but in lieu of recent events, the summit is cancelled indefinitely. After a proper period of mourning, Lord Iroh hopes to meet with the other nations in peace at the next summit, hosted by Avatar Aang at the Southern Air Temple.”

The old woman with the funny hat sputtered as she climbed into her carriage and slammed the door shut.

“…Seeks to consolidate power…” one nearby servant had whispered to another as she had attended to Jia Li’s meal previously that morning.

On the other side of the small garden, she saw the figure of a shadow on the balcony next to hers. It was the unmistakable shape of the new Fire Lord. Hurrying across the yard and into the building, Jia Li made her way into Iroh’s private suite and stopped in mid stride for he was now lounging on some cushions and was being served tea.

“Leave us,” he commanded, waving off the other servants and motioning for her to join him.

Her stomach in knots, she knelt across the table from him, observing the old ways of pouring one’s tea. As soon as the door closed behind the palace gossips, he gave her a small smile of reassurance. He looked tired, the smile somewhat bitter.

“Please.” He motioned for her to drink the tea. “It will calm your nerves. I am sure you have questions for me.”

‘Did you do it?” she blurted, unable to censure her words. “Did you kill your nephew?”

Wincing as the indelicate question hung between them, Iroh set his teacup on the table. He glanced to his left, and then to his right, making certain that they were alone. He appreciated her candor, especially since it was an outside, unbiased opinion. If she thought him capable of such ruthlessness, then Qiang would have no difficulty either.

“No,” answered Iroh. “I did not kill my nephew.”

Ducking her head, Jia Li mumbled a sincere apology.

“There is no need for apologies,” he replied softly.

Reaching across the table, her hand covered his. The sincerity in her eyes would cripple a lesser man.

“I am so sorry,” she whispered, tears spilling from her eyes. “I’ve heard rumors of how close you and your nephew were. I am sure Fire Lord Zuko will be seated in a place of honor in the afterlife.”

Gathering his napkin, Iroh pulled his hand away and leaned over the table, gently wiping her tears away. “I am sure my nephew would appreciate such generosity, but I assure you that he can wait to take his place among the honored dead.”

Jia Li sniffled, a look of confusion marring her delicate features.

“I must apologize for putting you in such a precarious position, Jia Li,” Iroh said her name as though it were a caress. “When I ‘saved’ you from those soldiers I did not realize things were going to become so complicated. By default, you have become involved.”

“I don’t understand,” she stated.

Standing, Iroh held a hand out to his concubine.

Without hesitation, Jia Li accepted the offer and followed him onto the balcony. The noise of the caravan moving past the courtyard made it difficult to hear what Iroh was trying to tell her.

She gasped as he pulled her against him. His breath brushed her ear. It smelled of mint tea. “My nephew and his bride are not dead.”

The admission sticks in his throat, the feel of her softness momentarily distracting him. Nuzzling her hair as if he were her lover, Iroh cleared his throat. “To understand what we have done, you must understand the complexities of military strategy. There is a threat to Fire Lord Zuko’s life. Thinking my nephew dead, the one who plots against him will surely make a fatal error.”

Jia Li was unable to stop the flow of tears as she accepted what he was saying. Not that she knew who the Fire Lord really was, but she has happy that he and his bride had not met the unfortunate end that she had heard about.

Iroh sighed, reluctant to release his hold on her. “I only wanted to protect you from those soldiers. I never wanted to involve you in all this intrigue. I only wanted to make you happy.”

Relaxing against him, she closed her eyes and listened to his steady heartbeat.

He allowed himself the small comfort of touching the silk of her hair. The scent of jasmine and oranges tickled his senses. Iroh pulled away before he drowned in the alluring aroma. He was not a young man anymore.

“You do,” Jia Li admitted before she slapped a hand over her mouth. Turning away from the Fire Lord, she looked out at the courtyard.

“I-I mean,” she stammered softly, “you’ve given me hope. More hope than I probably deserve.” The words she spoke were the truth. Just the thought of seeing her son more than once a year had brightened her outlook and had lessened her worries. This man sought to protect her and bring her happiness. Why should she not accept him?

Turning, she took the step toward him and cupped his old bearded face with her palm. “Thank you for everything you have done.” His soul was noble and his intentions were true. She should thank the Heavens that she was protected.

He took hold of her wrist, meaning to discourage her affection, but found himself unwilling to let go. “I must beg your forgiveness, Jia Li,” he murmured against her palm. “But I do not feel it safe to bring Hui to the palace just yet. I do not know how long it will take before our risky strategy runs its course.”

She felt the stab of disappointment, but quickly quelled the emotion. “I understand, my lord,” she replied. Somehow she knew the man before her would honor his promise.

--

The ship swayed gently, pulling Zuko from his twilight slumber. Turning onto his side, he pulled one of the furs over his shoulder and gathered Katara in his arms. Water Tribe ships were sleeker and more graceful than Fire Nation ships. But when they made course corrections, the creaking of the wood along with the sudden shift unsettled him. They were getting closer to the South Pole. The chill in the air was very noticeable even in the summer months.

He did not anticipate a warm reception at Katara’s home. After all, he had made an exceptional ass of himself the last time he was there.

“What’s wrong?” Katara murmured sleepily, stretching with feline grace.

“Nothing,” he answered quickly, moving the blanket out of the way and kissing her shoulder.

“You’re not a very convincing liar.” Solemn blue eyes stared into his.

Zuko smirked. Katara had always been way too observant. “I was wondering how your family at the South Pole was going to receive me.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “I hadn’t thought about that. But, I’m sure they will treat you well.”

Closing his eyes, he nuzzled her neck and inhaled. “How were you ever able to forgive me?”

Katara sobered, but failed miserably. “For which part? The time you crashed into my village with your big ship. The numerous times you threatened and dueled Aang? Or how about that time you stole my necklace?”

“I did not steal your necklace,” he growled, nipping her neck. “I found it.”

She snorted and continued teasing her husband. “Let’s not forget your incredible stubborn streak. I journeyed all the way to the Fire Nation to accept your proposal and you turned me down flat.”

He tickled her to distract her. She tried to crawl away, but he threw the covers to the side and pinned her squirming body down. “If anybody’s stubborn, it’s you,” he whispered before sealing his lips over hers.

Her response was immediate and she returned his kiss with passion, offering him the cradle of her body.

Breaking the kiss, Zuko turned his head and tried to temper his desire for her. Katara was addictive.

“I love you,” she whispered, running her hands along his back and coaxing him to join with her.

With a growl, he captured her lips to silence her declaration. But it was too late. The guilt had already started to consume him.

--

TBC
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The Price of Peace