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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
- 29
- 30
- 31
Kiss of Fire
Chapter 30 – Whispers of the Past
o0o0o0o
Katara
The next morning was warm and pleasant, and Kuzon and I decided to take a walk outside after breakfast. Because of the trial and the preparations surrounding it, Zuko had decided that Kuzon's lessons should be put off for a few days, as he would spend much of that time sitting in meetings, observing them. He would also be sitting during the trial, as would I. I had put off my own lessons as well, so I could concentrate more on my duties as Fire Lady and making sure that things ran smoothly during this summit.
I had a small loaf of bread in my sleeve and a bag of seed, to feed the turtle-ducks and the ruby peacocks in my gardens. This spring, the groundskeeper had located two peahens, and they made suitable companions to my peacocks. The peahens were a dark red color that was muted, like blood splashed against a dark fabric, and they did not possess the immense plumage that their male counterparts possessed. Such was a fact among females of most species, though it could be said that human women could, and often rivaled the men with their makeup and adornments.
I smiled as I sat on the bench with Kuzon, feeding the birds from our hands. The ruby peacocks and hens were now friendly and accustomed to us, taking food from our hands. Once in a while, one of them might even approach for a few gentle strokes.
One of my guards approached me, and inclined his head.
“My lady, Lady Beifong asks for the honor of your company. She wonders if she has permission to come into your garden.” he asked. Through the bamboo rushes, I could see Toph Beifong at the gate, along with one of my guards. I had seen her in the distance with her daughter during my walk. They had been doing calisthenics and Earthbending exercises.
I nodded slowly, and my guard went back to the gate to relay the message. I wasn't too eager to spend personal time with her, but I had already turned her down the evening before. Doing it twice would be downright rude, and it was my job to be a good hostess, though I could not help but wonder why she would want to spend time with me.
Lady Beifong looked so different clad in a simple green tunic and loose pants, her hair pulled back in a large bun. Gone was the silk and the makeup and flowers of the night before. Yet, this appearance rather suited her better, and she seemed more comfortable in it anyway. Both Beifong women inclined their heads to me. Adi was dressed similarly, her clear green eyes traveling along the garden and studying the surroundings as her mother stared forward blankly.
“Good morning.” I stated in the tone of voice that I reserved for guests and most other people – an appropriate combination of neutral and pleasant.
“Good morning to you too, Lady. Out enjoying some fresh air before we have to go back inside?” she asked. I nodded and sighed.
“People were not truly meant to be shut up inside all day, sitting around.”
“Do you mind if I sit down for a bit?” she asked. I nodded, seeing that she and Adi had both trained vigorously, from the way they were breathing.
“Not at all. Go ahead.” I said, expecting her to sit on the bench. Rather than do that, she stomped her feet, and a seat of earth came out of the walkway, taking some of the smooth stones with it. I gasped in dismay.
“Relax. When I'm done, it'll be the way it was.” Lady Beifong said as she sat down. I frowned. Even if she said that she could fix it, it wasn't appreciated!
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kuzon regard Adi with curiosity, and her doing the same thing.
“Would you like to feed the turtleducks?” I asked in a friendly manner, offering her a piece of the loaf I had brought with me. She stepped forward and held out her hand.
“Thank you, Lady Miumi.” she said, bowing her head slightly. I nodded to Kuzon, indicating that he and Adi could walk down the walkways if they wished, and feed the birds. He hopped off the bench.
“Adi, you may walk through the garden if you like. Kuzon can show you around.” I said pleasantly.
I looked back at Lady Beifong, feeling a fresh surge of displeasure at what she had done to my walkway. There was a certain edge to her attitude that just... bothered me. Why did this woman feel so familiar to me? I had never seen her before in my life, yet her attitude seemed right to me even though I was set on edge by some of the things she said or did.
“What I just did bothers you, doesn't it?” she asked. I set my jaw, deciding I might as well return her bluntness with my own.
“Yes, it does. The stones were arranged carefully, and you did it without asking permission. This is my garden, not yours.” I replied tersely.
She drew to her feet with a small huff, and stomped her feet. The earth went down again, and with a flick of her fingers, the stones were laid flat on top, as they should be.
“Better now?” she asked, her voice tinged with sarcasm.
“Much.” I replied simply. She stared in my general direction for several moments before starting to laugh. I rolled my eyes. Spirits help me.
“Do you treat everyone with such disrespect?” I asked, rising to my feet, my voice edged with steel.
“What's so disrespectful? I fixed the earth and stones.”
“Your attitude.” I replied bluntly. “My husband might be a good friend of yours, but I demand courtesy from everyone here. You are a guest here, and I am trying my best to make sure that everyone has a pleasant stay despite the.... reason for the summit, and you're not helping any.” I added acidly.
“So you're telling me that I have to be sweet as pie?”
“You completely miss my point.” I muttered as I squared my shoulders. Lady Beifong was about to reply when I saw a guard approach, bowing to me.
“My lady, you have a meeting to attend.” he stated. Thank goodness I had an excuse to get away from Lady Beifong.
“You will have to excuse me. My duty calls.” I said, trying to hide the relief from my tone, “You and the children are welcome to relax here. But no Earthbending.” I stated pointedly before I walked out.
My guard escorted me back to the Palace, and I could not help but wonder who I was supposed to be meeting. If one of the guests wanted to meet me, then permission would have to be obtained from me. Since I had not been asked for this, it had to mean that I was here on orders from Zuko. Was there a emergency meeting?
I was taken to the same room where I had tea with Lady Beifong and my husband the night before. Only the company was entirely different. I was so surprised to see my father and stepmother that I did not speak for several moments.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I could not help but wonder how Katara would feel when she saw her parents. I was tempted to be there, but decided that it would be nicer for her to be alone with them, as it had been almost a year since she had seen them.
Now that the Omashu delegates were here, the trial could finally start. After a month of waiting, everything would fall in place. I had my men send out invitations via messenger hawks, to various parts of the city, so that the nobles would not be the only ones in Court. I wanted to make sure that my justice was witnessed by all.
I had to hold back a small smirk as I glanced over at Enki's brother and the men from Omashu.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Were I not wife of the ruler of a Nation, I would have thrown myself into my father's arms. Every time that my father came home from one of his business trips, he would sweep me into a bear hug and swing me around playfully, his grip so tight that I knew that I could not fall or be thrown from them. He would shower my stepmother's face with kisses and hug her as well, clearly happy to be home with his wife and daughter.
Instead, I sat in my seat across the table from them, hiding my shock as I regarded them silently and listened as they greeted me, their heads bowed to me. I returned the proper greeting, wishing that I could hug and kiss them. But guards stood watch, and a servant moved forward to set the table with tea and a light meal. It was so different from the family dinners at home where we sat close together, our conversation unhindered as we ate.
I sat tall and regal in my red silk robe embroidered with golden dragons, my hair pulled back and my golden fire-comb firmly in place. How I must look to my parents!
“You look well. I have missed you.” I stated, keeping my voice out of the earshot of the guards. It wasn't that I had anything to hide, but this was my family, and I longed for a bit of privacy and intimacy. My father smiled a little.
“We have missed you as well, daughter. I'm sorry that we couldn't see you under better circumstances.” he replied, bowing his head. I nodded slowly, my hands in my lap.
“Were you asked to come?” I asked.
“Yes. Messengers came to Omashu, demanding the attention of the royal family. Enki's brother and a couple of other men decided to go, and we were asked to come, because of you.”
No further explanation was needed. Apparently, the royals of Omashu hoped that my father could ask me to pull strings and plead leniency from my husband. It was a gamble, for sure, but apparently Enki's brother was trying to cover all his bases. A try was better than nothing.
“Are you going to ask me to plead to my husband?” I asked Father shook his head.
“No. I came here to see you, not as any favor to Enki's family. I was provided a good opportunity to do so, and I did not intend to waste it.” he replied firmly. That comment made me smile slightly.
“That's good, because I was not going to plead with my husband.” I replied before I took a sip of my tea.
“I... spoke with the Fire Lord this morning before An Mei and I were sent to this room.” Father said. It was clear that he was still getting used to the idea of having the Fire Lord as a son-in-law, despite the honors that had been given to him and my stepmother.
“I am glad that he caught Enki, and that you and the Prince are well. Truly... I was shocked when I heard what happened. I had my reasons for not wanting you to marry Enki, but I had not imagined that he would go this far.”
“Reasons?” I asked, tilting forward ever so slightly. I gazed at him intently.
“You know that I only wanted the best for you. I had no desire to see you as a concubine in his harem, however well you were taken care of. I could see it in his eyes. He is not a person who respects women. If he had actually proposed...” Father sat back slightly, letting out a small sigh, “I would have told him no. Your husband is of a better character.”
Well. There certainly was no arguing with that last statement. It also explained why my father had willingly given me over to Zuko. It was Zuko, or Enki. And look at where I was now. I felt so foolish for ever having been flattered by Enki's attentions and gifts. Back then, I had been angry with my father for so quickly bowing to Zuko's demand that I be his wife, raising no argument. Now I saw his wisdom. I was lucky to have a father who cared about me, no matter that I was a daughter, not a son.
“My husband will not easily forgive.” I replied calmly as I took another sip, “Enki committed a terrible offense. He risked another Great War. The fate of Omashu lies in his hands. However, if he sent you to me, that means that his wrath will not fall on you.” I stated, to reassure my father. Indeed, why would my husband let them see me, if he suspected wrongdoing from my father?
The meal was silent for a bit as my parents sampled the various dishes that had been set out for them. There was a mixture of dishes from all three nations, and whatever wasn't eaten, I would give to the servants. My husband made it a practice to turn over whatever was left after a banquet or other large meal to the servants to take home to their families, rather than just throw them away as some nobles were wont to do.
“What did my husband say to you?” I asked after what felt like a appropriate amount of time. Father looked up at me and put down his chopsticks.
“I was with Enki's brother and the other men when we went before the Fire Lord. But the night before, upon our arrival, when that man... Kamas, came, I managed to speak to him without the other men around, and told him that I wasn't part of the problem. This morning, I explained myself to the Fire Lord as well, and he told me that we would be allowed to visit you, and that we need not worry.”
My father had taken a gamble in coming with Enki's men. He had banked on the Fire Lord's wisdom and fairness... and had gotten it. Thank Agni I had married such a man. Had the roles been reversed, would Enki have shown the same thought and patience? From his past actions, that was a firm 'haha, are you kidding me?'
“This incident has made us think. We were thinking about leaving Omashu for a while after you left.” my father continued. My eyes widened slightly. Why? Where would he go?
“I moved to Omashu since it would be good for business, and I wanted a new start after your mother died. But now it is time to move again.”
“Why?”
“It... just is. An Mei and I are going North, to the northwestern part of the Continent.” he replied. Quickly, I drew up the large map in my husband's council room in my mind, pinpointing the location. Water Tribe territory, given to my people by my husband after the War was over, though a good amount of Earth Kingdom people lived there as well.
I was silent for several moments as I processed this information. I had spent so much of my childhood in Omashu, even more than at the North Pole. But what could I do? The Fire Palace was now my home. I might never see Omashu again, even. It did not affect my situation whether Father stayed in Omashu or not, for we now led separate lives. I was no longer a child, and had a family of my own.
“I hope you both find happiness with your decision.” was all I could say.
Despite the formality of our first meeting, I had a good time with my family. After the meal, I walked with them through the gardens. Out of the guards' earshot, and wandering through pleasant surroundings, put us all at ease. It truly was nice to see my parents again and to relax with them again, if just for a while.
The day was full of meetings, which I was part of. For the most part, I remained silent, letting the delegates from the various cities debate with my husband about what was to be done about Enki. It was a way to watch and learn about each of the delegates – their mannerisms, their words, their thoughts on what had happened and what was to be done. Back then, when I had first come here, I had learned to look at the mannerisms of the people around me and the tone in their voices, instead of paying sole attention to their flattering words as others often did.
About a hour before sunset, I was sitting in my garden with Kuzon, waiting to see if the women from Kyoshi had accepted my invitation or not. It was short notice, my having come up with the idea of the invitation during the meetings as I observed the two Kyoshi women and their leader, a woman named Suki. I had heard from my husband about how the Kyoshi women fought, and how they led the villages of Kyoshi. It was refreshing to hear about a society where women were encouraged to be strong, even more so than in Fire Nation or the Water Tribes. I was curious to see their unique fighting style, and hopefully learn a few things from them.
“My lady.” a guard stated, interrupting my thoughts. I looked up and nodded.
“Lady Suki and her companions are here.” he said. I nodded and motioned for him to admit them. Within several moments, the three women were before me, inclining their heads in respectful bows. They wore the same makeup that they had when they had first arrived in Fire Nation, and they were dressed in their full Kyoshi warrior garb.
“I hear that you wish to see us demonstrate our skills.” Suki stated calmly. I gave a dignified nod.
“I have heard the tales of the women of Kyoshi, and how brave and strong they are. I'm curious to see your style of fighting, for I would be amiss to pass up a chance to see the Kyoshi discipline.” I replied. Kuzon sat beside me, staring ahead at the women curiously. I had decided that watching the Kyoshi women would be an appropriate lesson for him. With all these new people here, it would be a excellent opportunity for us to learn what we could from them.
Suki inclined her head and smiled a bit. I could not help but wonder how these women could fight in skirts, but I held back that comment. I would observe for myself.
Since there were three of them, one stood to the side while Suki and the other woman faced one another. I sat there and listened as she spoke, telling me about how their fighting was not about brute strength itself, but the direction of force, using the opponent's strength against themselves. She illustrated this clearly with a demonstration of several moves, and I found myself studying her intently. I had the odd feeling that I had seen this kind of fighting before – even though I had never met a Kyoshian in my life, or seen this particular fighting style. I tried to remember if I had learned this from my own master, who was adept in several fighting styles.
The movements were graceful and fluid, reminding me of Waterbending, and Suki's voice faded away as I continued to stare, the sheen of the fans causing them to flash in the late afternoon sun.
I sat on a tree-stump, watching about twenty Kyoshian girls being drilled by Suki. She had invited me to come and watch, and I was all too happy to. The women in my village were never taught to be warriors, and I could not help but admire these women.
They even invited me to participate, and showed me several moves, demonstrating them on me and one another, and letting me try them. It made me think of water, fluid, graceful, flowing around obstacles rather than going up against them. Doubtless Sokka had learned a lot – he was one of them, dressed in their garb and with that pale make-up on his face. I had to stop myself from laughing hysterically the first time I had seen him like this.
When it was over, Suki and I sat near one another, catching our breath. I saw her stealing a shy glance at Sokka, and I could not help but smile a little at that. I knew that she wasn't the kind of girl that my brother had ever encountered – a warrior, a leader in the town of Kyoshi. He had prided himself so much on his warrior skills, only to have her beat him. It looks like I wasn't the only one learning things...
Now both of the Kyoshi women were sparring, with Suki off to the side. This sparring match was real, rather than just a demonstration, with pauses for instruction and slowed-down movements at appropriate intervals to illustrate any point during the spoken lesson. The movements were quick, the women more agile in the skirts than I would have expected. Finally, one woman – a black-haired one – brought the other one down with a quick kick of her legs, sweeping low when her rival tried to land a quick blow with her fan.
“Very good, Heiji.” Suki stated, nodding to the victor, “You also did a good job, Kiku. But always remember to pay attention to other areas, not just the one you're aiming at. Always be aware of all of your enemy's limbs.” Heiji helped Kiku to her feet, and both women bowed before me.
I rewarded them with a smile. I also understood better the purpose of their uniforms. With their legs hidden under skirts, it was harder for the enemy to try to deliver a disabling blow – say to their knee, and it also made it harder for said enemy to anticipate blows from the women's legs.
“That was wonderful to watch! I can see that your reputation as great warriors is well-deserved.” I commented before I glanced down at Kuzon, seeing that he had an expression of interest and fascination on his little face.
Suki stared up at me steadily for several long moments.
“Well, we're going to be enjoying your hospitality for the next few days. Let us repay you by teaching you what we can, if you desire it.” She kept her head bowed, but I knew that her eyes were fixed on me under her long eyelashes.
“That would please me very much.” I was hardly dressed for dueling as it was, but it would not be a problem at all to train with the women within the privacy of my practice room. I motioned for tea, and it was quickly set out, along with some food. The women had had a good workout, and deserved refreshments, and I was eager to ask them questions. As the servants set the low table, I felt a small tug on my sleeve and looked down at my son.
“Would it... be okay for me to ask them if I could spar with them?” he whispered hesitantly. I smiled down at him.
“Why don't you ask them?” I said. I gently nudged him forward. Suki gave him a friendly smile.
“Does the Prince have something to ask?”
“I was wondering... if I could spar? You said that you would spar with Mama. I'd like to learn too.”
Suki smiled down at him.
“It would be our honor.” she said. He beamed up at her, not bothering to act 'dignified', not that I was going to scold him for it.
“You've had a long day sitting in the meetings, haven't you?” Suki asked as she looked down at him. He nodded.
“Would you like to spar and stretch these legs?” she continued. The Prince nodded before he stopped himself.
“But I don't have fans like that.” he pointed out. Suki glanced at me for a moment before offering her fans to my son.
“You can borrow my fans while Kiku and Heiji give you a few pointers, hmm? I need to talk with the Fire Lady.”
Kuzon quickly made it apparent that he had been paying attention just like I had been, as he imitated the stance of the Kyoshi women.
I glanced over at Suki. Her outfit was rather modest, almost to a fault. Her collar was higher than the other girls, and they had also rolled up their sleeves, while Suki kept her arms covered.
“Aren't you uncomfortable in that outfit? Fire Nation summers are rather hot.” I said as a servant poured tea for us. She smiled a little.
“This is designed for summer. Not summers like this, of course, but the summers in Kyoshi do get warm. We all wear this same green dress.”
I ventured to ask her more questions about Kyoshi and its customs, which she cheerfully answered. She exuded confidence and strength, making me think of my husband. She clearly enjoyed her leadership, but she also took it seriously. When Suki and her women had first come here, I had the feeling that she had already known the Fire Lord – and not simply from a casual meeting.
“Had you been born in Kyoshi, you would have been one of our finest warriors.” I heard Suki say. I glanced at her curiously.
“I assume that the stories I heard about you fighting your way through Enki's ship are true?” she queried, raising one eyebrow.
“I'm sure you've heard plenty of stories.” I murmured. Both flattering and unflattering, I was sure. No doubt my detractors in Court were saying that I had run away with Enki, or allowed myself to be seduced by him.
“You're right. I've heard plenty.” she replied, as if she had read my thoughts, “But please don't think that I believe most of them.”
“I appreciate that.” I replied, my hands folded in my lap. As Fire Lady, it was important to keep aloof, and keep my private life and especially thoughts, out of the spotlight.
'But the story of you fighting... I do hope that is at least true.”
I couldn't help but smile a little.
“Yes. It is true. The Prince was being held in the brig of the ship. I couldn't let him stay down there, so while many of Enki's men were occupied with staving off the Fire Nation soldiers, I forced by way down there. I wasn't going to let myself or Kuzon remain prisoner. Or to let Enki have me as a concubine.” I still shuddered at the thought of being part of his harem.
“You care very much for the Prince, don't you?” she asked. I was silent for a moment before I answered.
“I am wife to the Fire Lord, and that makes me his stepmother. I would hardly be doing my duty to my husband if I paid no mind to the Prince.”
Suki had blue eyes almost the same shade as mine, which made me wonder if she had some Water in her ancestry.
“You have no need to be so formal around me, my lady. I have no desire to pry, or to make you uncomfortable. I'm a leader too, and I understand having to be careful of what you say. But you have my word that whatever we talk about will remain between the two of us.”
I gave her a steady stare for several moments, measuring her words and tone.
“It's a good thing that you did what you did. The Fire Lord did not warrant having his wife or son taken away from him. Personally, I think that Enki is getting what he deserves. He's a pompous ass.”
I could not help but give out a soft chuckle.
“We're on the Fire Lord's side – and yours. I could tell by looking at you that the rumors they said of you and Enki are untrue.”
“You have a lot of faith in us.”
“You remind me a lot of someone I used to know. And the Fire Lord... he's a good man. Truly.” Suki stared off for several moments, seeming very contemplative.
“You knew the Fire Lord? You were one of his allies?” I asked. She looked back at me.
“Not... exactly. I met the Avatar in Kyoshi two decades ago and joined him for a while on his trip the next spring when he was going to Ba Sing Se. My girls and I encountered the Fire Lord's sister. Princess Azula. She... was very skilled, and ruthless. We were taken prisoner and transported here.”
I had to hold back a soft gasp. I had heard of how ruthless and vicious my husband's dead sister could be.
“I've heard stories about her.” I replied softly. It was said that her heart was as cold as the blue flame that she had been able to bend.
“Which are true.”
“... Oh.” I murmured.
“A couple of the girls died here.”
“I'm sorry.”
“Don't be. You had nothing to do with it. I tried to escape, believe me. I almost did, once. But I think Azula knew my plans. I was punished for it severely.”
I wondered if Suki employed the modest clothing she wore outside of her Kyoshi warrior garb for more reasons than one...
“But when your husband became Fire Lord... he freed us all. He had the survivors taken up to the infirmary. We received care from the royal physician, as if we were royals too. While we were recovering, I learned that he had been the one to take down his sister. When we were recovered, he gave us a good amount of gold and safe transport back to Kyoshi, along with a treaty that meant peace for all the villages on Kyoshi Island, and trade routes which benefited us both. When he first came down to us in the dungeons, I had been expecting him to be like Azula. But he was the opposite.”
I could imagine what a shock it would be to this woman, trapped in the dungeons and seeing her comrades die, only to be saved by another Fire Nation royal, and be given treatment and compensation.
“Many people lost someone important to them in the war. I lost a few of my comrades. Others lost members of their families. Or people they loved.”
“I'm not as old as you are. I never experienced the War. But I've heard enough stories, and I can imagine the pain...”
“It takes a good soul to empathize with others, to understand their pain even if they have never experienced it.” Suki replied as she gazed at me penetratingly.
o0o0o0o
The friendly spar with the Kyoshi warriors was what Kuzon had needed. I smiled down at him as he yawned sleepily, his head resting on one of the soft red velvet-covered pillows, his stuffed dragon close by. I stroked his soft black hair as he looked up at me sleepily.
“It'll all be over soon enough, won't it?” he asked softly as he snuggled closer to me. I let him lay his head on my lap as I looked down at him.
“Yes, my prince. Before you know it, Enki will be gone. Your father is wise and he will deliver the justice of Agni. He is a strong ruler, and because of him, his allies and the Fire Nation re strong.”
“Which is more important, Mama? Being strong or being wise?” he asked. I smiled gently.
“Think of the yin and the yang. One cannot exist without the other, otherwise there is no balance. Strength and wisdom is like that. What is a strong man without wisdom but a brute? What is a wise man without strength but a man whose words are lost to the ages? Yes, some men are stronger than wise or the other way around. But to be a good leader, it is absolutely crucial to be both, and know what times require brute force, or a gentler hand.”
“Kamas told me that it was best to always try to negotiate for peace first, but to always be ready for war.”
That fact was true. While the War was over, the Fire Nation's military had not been abandoned. A certain amount of taxes was set aside for military purposes. Early in his reign, the Fire Lord, with the help of his late uncle Iroh, rewrote the military code and made some changes to the military system., setting up specific rules and guidelines to follow that so far had served everyone well, and helped to add some stability to the turbulent times that followed the end of the War. The military was strong, along with the economy, without draining resources. New tax laws had been written with the new military code, and several other laws had been changed. Zuko's allies also adopted many of these laws to their own benefit. Enki was truly a moron to try to disrupt all of this.
“Why do you think that Kamas is part of the Fire Lord's circle of advisers? A good leader also values the advice and opinion of wise men.”
“I hope I'll be a good leader too, and make Agni proud.” he said softly. I stroked his hair, running my fingers through it.
“Don't worry, Kuzon. You will be.” I promised, wanting to reassure him. I understood that it was a lot for a little boy to consider. Besides, he was bright and warm-hearted. I had no doubt that when he came to the proper age, he would be more confident about his abilities to lead a Nation. Of course, it'd be better if that came a long way off, when Kuzon was much older and wiser. My husband had confessed to me that he had been overwhelmed by becoming Fire Lord when he was so young.
I started signing to him softly. He enjoyed the old Water Tribe songs that I sang to him, and I had learned a few Fire Nation ones as well, from my servants and from books I found in the library. I would also turn a poem into a song, for Kuzon's benefit. It always helped him to fall asleep and distract him from his worries.
When his breathing was regular and he did not stir when I whispered his name, I gently eased him off my lap and onto his bed, laying his little dragon against his chest.
“Good night, my lady.” I heard Neomi murmur as I left Kuzon's bedroom. She slept on the sofa in the front room, so that she could hear Kuzon if he needed anything. I smiled down at her.
“Good night to you too.”
More often than not, Zuko and I went to one another's bedchamber via the secret passageway – there was no need to let the servants know that we slept together every night. That was our business, not theirs. Tonight, he had told me to go to his bed. I slid through the passageway and emerged from behind a red velvet drape. The room was quiet, illuminated by but a few lamps. I smiled as I slid over to the bed, seeing my husband lay there silently, staring up at the ceiling.
The next days would be trying. This would be no ordinary trial. My husband had to make his anger clear, without looking too harsh. Agni might be wrathful against his enemies, but he also had to show wisdom and mercy. It would not be easy to decide the fate of the King of Omashu, or his family. I did not envy my husband and the decisions he would have to make. At least he would have a slightly easier time punishing those within the Fire Nation who had aided Enki in his deed.
Without a word, I crawled into the bed. Even though I had been quiet, there was no doubt he knew when I had come in. He stared up at the ceiling, shirtless and with a sheet up to his stomach. The windows had been opened to let in the cool night breezes, and I placed a light kiss on his cheek as my way of saying 'hello'.
An arm slid along the blankets to wrap around my middle, and I smiled to myself. I was happy for these quiet moments with my husband, where we could just be together, and forget everything else. I stroked his chest gently, before letting my hand trail up to his face. A soft murmur of contentment escaped his lips, and even though he was clearly tired, he fixed his eyes on me. I offered him a small smile as I continued to caress his face.
“Don't worry, lord husband. It will all be over soon. Soon Enki and all these people will go away, and it'll be just you and me and Kuzon again.” I murmured.
“And the advisers and the Court.” Zuko replied with a slightly dry tone, a small smile on his face. I chuckled softly and nuzzled him. There were times when I wondered what it would be like if my husband were not Fire Lord. Sometimes I imagined a simpler, more idyllic life, where Zuko did not have to worry about affairs of state, or I about running the Palace City, or Kuzon about learning the duties that were necessary to succeed his father to the Dragon Throne.
But who was I to complain? My husband was a powerful and more than capable ruler. I was loved by him, and kept comfortable, with all the honors of someone in my position.
“Yes, but there is no one more worthy of sitting on the Dragon Throne than you.” Even though my husband knew his own abilities and was confident as a ruler, he still had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Early on, I learned that he liked a bit of comfort when he was alone. Gentle words of reassurance and encouragement here and there did a great deal for him, I noticed. And it warmed my heart to see him take such comfort in my words.
I saw him smile at me as I uttered these words. His smiles were so rare that I cherished them, especially since I was the only one he smiled at.
“Where would I be without you?” he asked.
“Lonely?” I ventured. He nodded slowly before laying his head on my chest, snuggling close much like Kuzon would.
“Tomorrow's a long day. Sleep well, my love.” I whispered as I closed my eyes, for it had been a long day for me as well, and would be tomorrow. I shared my husband's fatigue.
“I thank Agni that he brought you back to me.” he mumbled, already half-asleep. I lay there for a few moments, thinking about his words. I had the feeling that he wasn't talking about what had happened with Enki. And that confused me even more. Where had I been so that I had come back to him? I could not help but think of what Suki had told me earlier, and the eerie feeling of familiarity that I had felt with her and Lady Beifong.
“Zuko?” I asked gently. There was no response but for the faintest of snores.
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Kiss of Fire