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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 Three – Say Yes
I know a few of you thought that what happened at the end of the last chapter was a bit sudden, but you will see why things happened the way as they did. Please enjoy this chapter and don't forget to let me know what you thought!
o0o0o0o
Katara
At first I was not sure of how to react. Fire Lord Zuko? Wanting my hand in marriage? Was it a joke? The look on my father’s face told me it was not so.
“What did you say?” I whispered. Even though my father gave me much freedom, he still was within legal rights to give me away in marriage whether I wanted it or not. He took a deep breath.
“The Fire Lord…did not ask for an answer. He…simply asked me a few questions about you before he said he wanted your hand.”
I let out a soft exhalation, not realizing I had been holding my breath. An Mei looked at him with concern. He slowly rubbed his temples as if his head hurt.
“What’s wrong?” I asked. If the Fire Lord had not pressed for an answer, then that had to mean things were all right? At least I hoped.
“There…was nothing about his…questions or his statement that implied there was a choice at all.” he said gravely, and I stiffened.
My father did not become a businessman and negotiator of high standing for no reason. He was good at reading people and their tones and gestures, and he was also very good at detecting lies from truth. He was also able to pick up subtle messages, and the conclusions he came to concerning people were rarely if ever wrong. For him to make this statement about this matter was not something to be taken lightly.
“Miumi, what did you do with the Fire Lord?” An Mei asked with surprise, fixing her green eyes on me. It took a moment to figure out what she was worried about. I blushed and shook my head.
“Nothing, I swear! I did not flirt with him or anything like that! I did not even speak with him much!” I protested, and she relaxed.
“I have no idea why he would want me. I didn’t do anything to try to get his attention. You know I know how to behave appropriately!” I added, trying to emphasize my point. I was as bewildered as my father was.
“Doesn’t the Fire Lord already have concubines?” An Mei asked. I swallowed nervously. I had no desire to become part of a harem! I was not Fire Nation, nor was I any kind of expert on the culture, but I had learned about their culture and their practice of harems and concubinage. I studied not only the history and culture of my nation, but the others. My father insisted that was important and made sure to include it in my studies.
From what I understood, it was something the nobles engaged in and what the Fire Lord was entitled to. The Earth Kingdom also had this practice, but concubinage was not as commonly practiced as it had once been. As for the Water Tribes, no such practice existed, at least officially, and if a Water Tribe man wanted another woman than his wife, it was not condoned. I had no idea how concubines and harems were treated over there. I imagined myself bring shut away, brought out only when the Fire Lord needed me, like a toy. This was not a life I had any desire for.
A sudden thought occurred to me.
“Doesn’t the Fire Lord have a child? A son, if I am not mistaken?” I asked, remembering mentions of a Fire Prince. My father paused and nodded.
“A young son, I do believe. I don’t know how old he is though.” he said with a slow nod. He was unable to recall the child’s name. My heart sunk more. I did not want to be a concubine.
“I don’t want to become part of a harem.” I stated softly. Father nodded slowly. He wanted to see me married off well. He wanted me to continue the family line, as I was his only surviving child, but I knew he also wanted me to have a happy and productive life. I was glad to have a father who respected me like this. I knew other fathers would not care as much about their own daughter’s personal welfare.
“We will see.” Father murmured softly, and I looked up at him. “He told me he would send one of his men around tomorrow morning.” he explained, and that was all he said. If he knew what the man would bring, I know he would have told me. We stared at one another for a long moment before returning to our food.
The rest of the meal continued in silence, although there was not much left of it. I had no appetite for the usually appetizing treats, and I rose from my seat.
“Good night.” I said softly, bowing my head a little. I was given similar responses in kind and headed to my room.
I found myself unable to sleep. So I spent half the night reading, although I found myself unable to absorb the words in front of me. When sleep finally came to me, it was plagued with odd dreams, images flashing before me of people and places I had never met or seen, yet they felt oddly familiar to me. When I woke up and tried to remember, it was as if my mind had been wiped clean.
When I rose, the man sent by Zuko had already come and gone. My father had not opened the letter the man had delivered. The instructions were for me to read it first. He had left the letter without even letting my father respond or ask him questions. I rose before he left for the Palace, and he stood by anxiously as I opened the paper. The message was simple and to the point. The Fire Lord wanted to come for dinner.
I stared at the letter and handed it over to my father. He read it over before nodding.
“Have the cook prepare a feast, and tell him to make his best dishes. I will give him extra money for today's shopping. I will send a messenger later to let you know what time we will be here for supper.”
I nodded dumbly, standing there as my father embraced me. He looked at me and sighed.
“I am just as surprised about this as you are.” I told him, and he nodded.
“Just…relax. Go about your day as usual. Please do not worry. We can see what he wants at dinner.” he nodded. Yes. We would see.
o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko
Kamas did not argue when I told him my intentions. If I had been at home, I know that many of the nobles as well as some of my own advisers would object. Kamas respected me on a personal level, which was one of the reasons why he was one of the chosen few in my inner circle. When I made my decision clear, he asked what was required of him.
The summit this day had gone well. I spent most of my day with the Water Tribe representatives, and with Amigaitut and Sinaaq. I was on fine terms with the Water Tribes. After the war, I had sent relief supplies to both ends of the pole as well as letters that declared my intentions for peace. Naturally, they were wary at first.
For the first few years, when peace was still fragile, I had declared the poles off limits to my Nation except for the people that I sent myself, to ensure that there would be no aggression. There were several fights in the earlier years from pirates and rogue Fire Nation soldiers, but things had calmed down for the most part. I opened venues of trade with the Tribes, and made it clear that I was not sending people to take over them. I told them I had no interest in their lands. They opened up to me and accepted. The last decade had been a fruitful one for both of us.
What Sinaaq and his men discussed with me and mine was nothing that we had not previously worked on. We just agreed that things were going well and there were very few changes necessary to our existing agreements. Omashu was another matter. Enki's advisers were not as cooperative with either of our groups and so we both talked about how we could get Omashu to cooperate more with us. With a King who was stubborn and xenophobic, this was easier said than done.
During a recess, I pulled Amigaitut aside and told him what I wanted. As I had expected, he was surprised. But that was of little consequence to me. I had made my decision.
The next day, when the meetings were over, I came to Amigaitut’s estate in a sedan pulled by a Komodo rhino, surrounded by guards. I instructed my men to be careful, to not trample the plants in the front of the house and to station themselves in an unobtrusive way.
The man lived in a modest but comfortable estate, surrounded by a wall as was usual of the more upscale homes. Here I sensed comfort, but no opulence. When I approached the house, I smelled gourmet cooking. The doors were opened for me long before I came close, and the servants seemed in awe of my presence.
“We are honored that you have graced this humble dwelling with your presence.” Amigaitut said with a deep bow. I merely nodded.
As I expected, dinner was a lavish affair. The cook had clearly been ordered to work hard on this meal and I saw an impressive array of dishes spread out before me. Only a few moments after I entered the dining room, Amigaitut’s wife and daughter came in through a smaller doorway. My eyes immediately fixed on the beauty before me.
The wife bowed and greeted me and I nodded back. She only received a moment of my attention before I looked back at the blue-eyed young woman. Her eyes met mine for a moment before she averted her gaze.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Even after I looked away, I could feel him drink me in with his gaze. We waited for him to sit down before the rest of us took suit. The table was rectangular and usually when we had no guests, the three of us sat at one end of it. Tonight however, my father and the Fire Lord sat at either end of the table at the short sides. An Mei and me sat in the middle facing each other from the longer sides, so there was a equal amount of space between the four of us.
We usually ate by ourselves, calling in the servants to clear the table when we were done, but since it was an occasion, a couple of servants remained. Not only were we watched by the servants, but there were also a couple of Fire Nation guards in the room, and I knew there were more outside. This did nothing to settle my uneasiness.
We all waited for the Fire Lord to select his food and take the first bite before we started our own meals. The cook with the help of a few of our servants, had cooked up a storm and had even sent one of the servants to market for extra ingredients that we did not have in our gardens. He only did that on special occasions. An Mei and myself had supervised the menu, checking over it and giving it our final approval. When the chef had heard the reason for the occasion he became more flustered and yelled at the servants. Even though he was a good man and a better cook, he was high-strung and knowing the Fire Lord would be eating his food sent him into a frenzy. He saw cooking as an art and as a result the entire household – even the servants – ate well.
The whole day had been a kind of ordeal to me. I had tried to occupy myself with Waterbending, with helping An Mei in the gardens, with studying, even by taking a walk. Nothing had really helped.
As I felt his glance on me, I wondered what I had done to capture his interest. I had not flirted with him or had done anything to try to attract his attention. I had simply been myself and acted naturally although cautiously, for he was the Fire Lord and I did not know what to say or do around him. His attention was the last thing I had expected that night.
“We…are surprised and…flattered that you would want to take Miumi as wife.” An Mei ventured cautiously. The Fire Lord nodded as he took a bite of dinner. I took a sip of my tea. He waved his hand, shooing the servants away, and the guards went to the corners.
“May…I inquire as to why you have taken an interest in my daughter?” my father asked. The Fire Lord regarded him silently for a moment.
“I deem her worthy.” was all he said before raising another bite to his mouth. Father nodded slowly.
“So…” he started to say, clearly thinking about his words before he spoke, “how do you…intend to go…about this?”
“I leave Omashu when the summit is over. She will leave with me.” he stated calmly. My manners did not stop me from widening my eyes in horror. My father was silent for several moments, trying to process this. The summit was supposed to last for about a week, and already two days of it had gone.
I sunk back in my chair, looking down at my hands. Five days and then I would leave everything I had known…
“Isn’t…that rather sudden, Lord Zuko?” my father asked.
“I have made my decision.” the other man replied firmly. Father leaned back and laced his fingers together, resting his chin on them.
“Your daughter will be provided and cared for. She will receive many opportunities. You have no need to be concerned.”
“But…what about courtship…dowry?” he asked.
“There is no need for dowry. I do not require it. I will provide her with everything she needs.”
I froze. Dowry was for wives. Concubines and mistresses did not come with dowries, or if in the tiny chance that they did, it was very small. Something inside of me rebelled. How dare this man try to dictate my life? I was not even Fire Nation, so I was not his subject!
“I am not going to be a concubine!” I spat out. The silence that followed was so thick I was sure I could poke through it with my chopsticks.
o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko
I could feel the barest of smirks tug at the corner of my lips. I had been afraid that she would simply sit quietly and take all of this like an obedient woman would. Katara would never have become a concubine willingly, for she had too much pride for that. Had she not objected at all, I would have been disappointed indeed.
I let the silence hang in the air for a few moments before I glanced at my bride-to-be calmly.
“I ask for no dowry because I have no need for one. I am Lord of an entire Nation. I have no desire for extra money or lands, I am not a greedy man. Anything your father gives you would be yours alone.” I replied after a bit, and she stared back at me. I started eating again, holding back a smirk. Amigaitut and his wife seemed unsure of what to say and they did not touch their food.
“Go on. Eat. Your servants have obviously spent a lot of time preparing this food and I do not believe in lettings things go to waste.” I stated. The rest of the meal went along uneventfully. I caught her glancing at me resentfully several times. My face revealed no expression.
Dessert and wine were brought about. She touched none of it and sat there silently. Her parents looked at her with concern but did not push her to eat anything.
The servants cleared the table of all but the drinks in an efficient manner.
“You clearly run your household with the same attention and care that you run your trade.” I stated, taking a sip of the wine. I savored its sweet taste. At least this family had better taste in its drinks than the King of Omashu did. Amigaitut was surprised but seemed pleased at my compliment.
“I wish to speak to your daughter alone.” I stated as I set down my empty wineglass. He glanced at me nervously and I stared back calmly.
“I assume that you have areas around the house or outside that I may hold a private conversation. Rest assured, I have no intent to harm the lady.” I pressed on. He slowly nodded before he pointed to a third doorway in the room, one that led outside. I bowed my head just slightly and rose from my seat.
My intended was not as eager to rise from her seat.
“Come.” I said in a voice that brooked no argument. She did not look at me as she rose from her seat.
The doorway led onto a terrace, with smooth stone under our feet. A bench adorned this space and a couple of rafters overhead bore vines which created a canopy. During the day, this would have been an excellent spot to simply sit and have tea, or study. As soon as she was out, I closed the door. The light of the waxing moon filtered through the leaves of the canopy, and her azure eyes seemed almost luminous.
“I am not going to be a toy in your harem.” she said, squaring her shoulders.
“Who said I had a harem?” I replied.
“You are the Fire Lord. I am not ignorant of your culture.” she replied archly. I nodded briefly.
“I do not deny certain practices of my Nation. But that does not mean that I participate in them.”
“Then exactly what do you want me for? To warm your bed? You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble and simply taken me to bed and been done with that.”
I held back a chuckle, although I allowed a smirk to spread on my face. She took in the smirk and squared her shoulders even more.
“I am not coming with you, Lord Zuko. I have better things to do than amuse a man.”
“I do not ask for amusement.” I replied.
“Then what?”
“Companionship. Yes, you would share my bed, but I do not need or want a toy. If I desired a toy, I could find it anywhere, or have one brought to me.”
“That still gives you no right to come here and dictate that you are taking me back to your land. I would think that a King would know the proper rites of courtship. I had a better impression of you the first night here. Perhaps I was wrong.”
I held my smirk. If my subjects mouthed off to me like this, it would be signing a death-wish. Yet this woman spoke her mind, held her ground, not caring about the status of the man in front of her. I had always admired her courage.
She did have a point – it was sudden. When I had courted this woman previously, our courtship had been much longer, turning from enemies to allies to lovers.
And then I had lost her. Could I be blamed for wanting to move in quickly? I could remain here longer, but I needed to get back to Sozun. I never liked being away from the Fire Nation long, even though I had trustworthy men holding the reins for me, I preferred them in my own hands. I liked being on the top of things and was serious about my duties to a fault. And Omashu was not the best territory for me. Had the summit been in the Water Tribe lands, I would have considered extending my stay.
If I left her here, then Enki or someone else might woo her away. I was not taking any chances. I had waited for too long. I deserved to have her.
“You are coming with me.” I repeated.
“You never even gave me the chance to decide!” she protested.
“Then say yes.”
“And what if I decide to say no?” Her eyes were calculating, testing me. I smirked a little more, approaching her silently. She stood up straight, keeping her chin raised. I slowly moved behind her, lowering my head to speak softly into her ear.
“I know you are an intelligent woman, my Waterbender. Think about the things I could do if I was displeased. I could back out of the summit and not trade with the Earth Kingdom at all. Or the Water Tribes. I have kept my nation powerful, more powerful than you or anyone else thinks.” I whispered. She looked away. I placed my hands on her shoulders gently and inhaled the faint and sweet scent of her hair.
“I could cut off all the Fire Nation’s trade routes with your father. I could use my leverage with the Water Tribes to cast your father out, by telling them that he had offended me. They would not object.” I whispered. It was ironic that we were such good allies now, nations of opposing elements.
The woman swallowed nervously and remained silent.
“I could have you brought to me in chains. If I asked the Water Tribe to give you to me, they would do so. Better to hand over one person than put an entire tribe at risk.” I told her. Deep down inside I rebelled at using such an underhanded tactic but at that moment I saw no other course of action. Time was short.
“Why are you doing this to me?” she whispered, keeping her voice steady.
“Because I desire you…and only you.”
“But…”
“I want a wife. Not a concubine.” I whispered, my breath hot on the side of her face.
“Why me?”
“You should consider it an honor to be wife to the Fire Lord.” I replied evasively.
“Are…are there other…” she whispered. I shook my head.
“There are no others. You will be my first and only wife. You will be my Queen, in court and of my heart.” My grip on her shoulders tightened just a little before I let go. I circled around until I faced her again. She stared at me with surprise, fear, and curiosity.
“Yes…or no, my lady?”
“If I say yes, you will take me. If I say no, you will take me…most likely in chains. There’s not much of a choice there.”
“Say yes and keep your dignity.” I whispered. She looked away for several moments. I waited patiently.
She nodded, looking out at the gardens.
“You have made a wise choice, my lady.” I said softly as I closed the distance between us. My hand reached up to touch her face and she flinched, starting to pull away.
“Stay right where you are.” I said firmly. She hesitated for a moment and obeyed. My hand ran along her cheek and down to her jaw and I felt her shiver a little.
Slowly I lowered my head, letting my lips brush against hers. She gasped softly and started to move away, but I wrapped an arm around her middle. My other hand went to cup the back of her head. I pressed my lips against hers gently, biting back the urge to simply crush them against hers. A soft whimper escaped her lips.
I let the kiss linger for a few moments before I raised my head and looked down at her. Even in the poor light, I knew she was blushing. Her eyes met mine for a moment before she looked down again.
“Now, was that so terrible?” I whispered. She refused to answer, and I smirked. Her lips tasted divine, as I knew they would. I released my grip on the back of her head and touched her lips with my fingers, savoring the soft flesh.
“Look at me.” I whispered, and her eyes met mine. I lowered my head, taking her lips again only this time I was firmer with my kiss. I gently sucked on her lower lip before sliding my tongue in. Her response was instantaneous, there was a sharp intake of breath and my arm around her middle kept her from pulling away.
My tongue slid in further and met with her own. Her tongue darted backwards shyly and I pressed forward. I found hers and caressed it with my own, causing her eyes to widen. I smiled against her lips when I felt her tongue gently probe against my own. The kiss was pure heaven and I held her close, savoring the taste of her mouth.
After a few moments, I broke the kiss and stood up straight again. I felt her shiver in my hold and reluctantly let go of her. My lips tingled from the kiss. There was no one else like her. The kiss was exactly as I remembered her kisses to be. I felt…satisfied, yet I wanted more. I reached out to gently caress her face, seeing how the moonlight gave her eyes that ethereal glow.
Beloved Katara.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Damn him. When the Fire Lord broke the kiss, I was relieved…and a part of me felt disappointed. I quickly backed away from him in case he would try it again. Even as I looked away, I could feel him watching me.
“What?” I asked.
“Just thinking about how you will be a splendid wife.”
“You do not even know me. You have no idea who I am, or what my strengths or faults are.”
“I have made my decision. You cannot sway me from it.”
“And a rash decision it is.” I shot back. He simply stared at me.
“Whether you think it is rash or not is not my concern.” he replied smoothly. I glared at him resentfully.
“You cannot do this to me!” I said as I squared my shoulders again.
“And what makes you say that?”
“You may be the Fire Lord, but you have no right to force someone’s hand!”
“You already said yes.” the Fire Lord said with a smirk.
“All I did was nod.”
“I have the right to take whatever action I choose to get what I need.” he shot back. I continued glaring at him. Why did this man not get angry by my resistance? It was almost…as if he enjoyed it.
“It is getting late and I have a long day ahead of me. I am sure you have one too. Why don’t we head back inside?” the Fire Lord asked. I nodded curtly, eager to be separated from his company.
My parents were still at the table and I wondered if they had even arisen. Father looked up at the Fire Lord and I with some concern.
“The matter has been resolved.” the Fire Lord said casually, “Your daughter has accepted.”
My father nodded slowly before he rose from his seat.
“I do hope that…you…will treat my daughter with the best of intentions.” he ventured cautiously. I waited for the Fire Lord’s response.
“I do have the best of intentions for her. She will be my wife and receive the privileges that come with it. I know she is suited for the role of my queen.”
My father stared for a moment. The lack of a dowry had stirred my father’s worst fears, and the Fire Lord’s latest statement surprised him.
“My daughter…will become…Fire Lady?” my father asked and Zuko nodded. My parents both stared for a moment before etiquette pulled their eyes down. My father bowed deeply.
There had been no Fire Lady since Fire Lord Azulon’s wife, Aila. I had a vague understanding of the lineage of Fire Lords, and knew that her time was well before mine. What would the Fire Nation say to a new Fire Lady after so long of having none? Much less one of not noble Fire blood?
“As for the matter of dowry, because I did not ask for one does not mean I do not value your daughter. She would be well cared for. If anything, all I ask for is that you open more trade routes with the Fire Nation and maintain the alliances between my people and yours. Any new commodity would come to us first instead of the Earth Kingdom. You could call that business a dowry, Amigaitut.” Zuko stated. My father nodded.
“…As you wish, my lord.” Father replied with a bow.
“Thank you for a splendid dinner, Amigaitut.”
“It was a honor, my lord.”
“I suppose you will not object to me spending time with your daughter before she comes with me to Sozun.”
“Of course not.” my father replied cautiously. I stared at the man who had forced my hand. I had no desire to spend any more time with him!
“Since it is clear that you care about your daughter, why not have a wedding feast here on the last night of my visit? Invite your friends and relatives. Also, I would he happy to have a wedding ceremony here, then I can have the coronation in Sozun. It only feels appropriate that you should be able to celebrate your daughter's happiness.” This statement was directed at both of my parents. I bit back a biting statement at his remark about my happiness.
“Does this suit you?” Father asked me. I shrugged. It was a surprising – and courteous gesture on my husband's part. I would be crowned in Sozun, but my father would have a way to participate in my nuptials as well. I couldn't think of any real reason to object to this gesture, given the circumstances.
“Then I will notify my cooks to come here that night. They'll bring some supplies with them. I trust that your kitchen will be accommodating for that many chefs and guests?”
“Of course.” Father seemed a bit bewildered at the thought.
“Good. If there is anything else you need to know or discuss, send a message to Kamas.”
“Thank you.” my father replied with a bow.
“I will be taking my leave now.” the Fire Lord stated casually and my father nodded.
In the morning, we were alarmed to find Fire Nation guards on our property.
o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko
Going back and forth to the ship every morning and night was too much trouble, so my men and I took over an inn in the more upscale part of Omashu. Accommodations at the Palace were open to us, but I knew that we were not very welcome to reside there, and the invitation that had been sent to us was out of politeness, nothing more. Besides, plenty of other guests were staying there and I decided that it would be best to have a space truly our own. Kamas agreed with me.
The innkeeper was well compensated for shutting his inn down for a week to others, and the service was good. We were ensured privacy and comfort, and my men were more at ease here.
I returned that night and found Kamas waiting for me. I took a seat at the desk in my sitting room and nodded to him.
“I trust that things went well over there, my lord.” Kamas said with a slightly bowed head.
“Yes.” I said distantly as I stared out the window.
“Is something the matter, my lord?”
“You are taking my decision well, but I have no doubt there will be those who speak out when I get back home.”
“And why would I not take your decision well?” Kamas asked with a hint of amusement in his tone. I shrugged. “As for those back home, it is not their concern. You are the Fire Lord. You have ended the war that your ancestor started and have used the power of the comet for good. You have made the Fire Nation even stronger and more prosperous than Sozin, Azulon, or Ozai could ever have. You have produced a strong and healthy heir to continue the line. You run this country in an effective way and the people are loyal to you. You have fulfilled all of your duties and continue to do so. They have no real reason to speak out against you taking a Water woman.” he continued, and I nodded.
“If anything…you deserve real companionship. Concubines are a poor substitute for a partner. And I know that you have chosen well.”
I took Kamas’ advice seriously, and when I came to power I pulled him along with me. He had served me faithfully for my entire reign.
Si Seung Kamas was born of a much-decorated Fire Nation commander and an Earth Kingdom woman that he had taken during one of his campaigns in the Earth lands. Because of this perceived ‘taint’ in his blood, he had a difficult time in his younger days. However, because of his determination and intelligence, more so that than because of his father’s successes, he was able to advance well in the army but only to a point. My sire had looked down at him even though Kamas had proven his loyalty fiercely. However, Kamas was an honorable man, and became disillusioned like I did. He was integral to helping me maintain the order after the defeat of my sire, and well rewarded for that.
Even though he was smarter than many of his peers, his mixed heritage had held him back – and it was not one he could easily hide. His eyes were hazel – a curious mixture of brown, green, and dark gold, and a giveaway of what he was. There were no other definite Earth Kingdom features that set him apart from other Fire Nation men but he had a certain quality in his appearance that made one look twice and wonder.
“There is one thing, Kamas.” I stated.
“Yes, my lord?”
“I want to set up some guards at their residence.”
“What makes you believe they are in danger, my lord?” he asked.
“I want guards over there.” I repeated. He stared at me for a moment and bowed again.
“As you wish, my lord. I will select five men for the first shift. Will that be sufficient for the time being?” he asked. I nodded.
“Tell them to keep an eye on the lady.” I said.
“I shall. May I ask a question?” he asked. I nodded again.
“The lady…she is…reluctant about this situation?” Kamas asked delicately. My silence was his answer.
“I see. I will make the proper arrangements.”
o0o0o0o
Katara
The guards did not do anything to cause alarm. They did not seize anything, or harass anyone. But their purpose became clear soon enough.
When I wrote a letter to Enki, to alert him about the situation and gave it to a servant to deliver, she came back to me and reported that it had been seized from her. Throughout the day I felt the constant presence of at least one guard, although they all maintained respectful distances. Later that afternoon, I hid in my room and wrote another letter, passing it to a different servant. This letter was seized as well, even though she had been careful to conceal it.
That evening, my father came home with a letter from my groom-to-be. It was a short letter, telling me that I would be having dinner with him the next night at the place he was staying at.
The next day was no different from the previous. My father knew I was unhappy and tried to make me feel better, but he did not have any more choice than I did. Despite his wealth and connections, this was the Fire Lord, and one would be a fool to rouse his ire.
I chose not to adorn myself at all. I had a servant braid my hair in a simple length and I chose a light blue linen robe with darker blue pants. I would be damned if I were going to make myself pretty. The idea of smearing dirt across my face or wearing well-worn and torn servant’s clothing crossed my mind, but I was not so childish as to resort to such a tactic, and I knew he would see right through it.
The house had a couple of stories, and I sat outside on the second-level balcony. It faced the front of the property, so I could see the comings and goings on the road outside the wall. It also gave me a generous view of the city as my father’s house was well up on the slope. Summer was drawing to an end but the days were still long and I sat there, reading a book in the encroaching twilight.
My father came home, and I knew that meant the Fire Lord would be coming soon after. My expectations were met as I saw a black and red sedan with a Komodo rhino and several guards. The vehicle stopped just inside of the gate and I slowly closed my book as the Fire Lord stepped out. One of the guards that had been set up here came out to salute and then greet him. He nodded, glancing around the property casually before settling his eyes on the house. He glanced skyward and caught sight of me. I stood there silently.
I came downstairs and stood in the entrance hall just as he entered. Let him think what he would of my plain appearance.
His reaction was not what I had expected. When he fixed his eyes on me, I saw a flash of surprise then a mixture of emotions I had no idea how to describe. Usually, the Fire Lord had a calm expression, one that no one could discern emotion from. But now his lip twitched a bit and his eyebrow furrowed slightly. He kept his gaze fixed on me for a lingering moment as if trying to comprehend what stood before him. I quickly looked down, seeing if I had any stain on my clothes or a tear. There was none. I was clean and well groomed.
There was such a mixture of emotion in these golden eyes of his that it took me aback. I could not figure out if he was happy, or sad, or angry. I thought I saw surprise, recognition, joy. It made no sense to me. The twitch in his lip was almost imperceptible.
Slowly he raised his hand, offering it to me.
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Kiss of Fire