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Kiss of Fire	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 75169 -:- 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
- 41
- 42
- 43
Kiss of Fire
Chapter 42 – Ache
o0o0o0o
Katara
I came to consciousness slowly, keeping my eyes closed as I took in my surroundings by what I felt around myself. Under me was crisp and clean linen, and on top of me was the weight of a comforter. Around me the house was quiet. As I shifted around, I felt padding between my legs, the same kind I used during my moon-time. My eyelids fluttered open and the first thing I saw was my husband, sitting in a chair at my side, his head lolled to one side. Why wasn't he in bed with me?
My stomach tightened as I recalled the events of last night. Spirits, no. My hand moved under the comforter to touch my stomach. Gently, I pressed down. I felt... empty, and was shocked to feel tears come to my eyes. I had been so afraid to tell Zuko, I had wished I wasn't pregnant, yet here I was feeling terrible about what had happened. Baby, please forgive me. Where was it? Where had it been disposed of? A soft sob escaped my throat.
Immediately the Fire Lord came awake, his head snapping up as he stared down at me.
“Please, don't cry. Shh. It's okay. You're fine.” he whispered fiercely, grabbing my other hand and squeezing it. I rolled over, my back to him as I curled up, pulling my hand away and weeping quietly.
“Please. Go away.”
“Why?”
“I want to be alone.” I closed my eyes, feeling as if there were multiple voices chattering within. I felt an strong arm wrap around me, but fortunately, he did not say anything. I continued to cry softly, and all Zuko did was hold me. I hated to admit it, but it comforted me. In a while, my sobs died down, and I took deep breaths. Zuko gently pressed his face to my temple, nuzzling me as he settled next to me, holding me tight. I sighed softly and closed my eyes, falling asleep again.
When I woke up again, the Fire Lord was spooned up to me, his arm draped across my middle. By the light in the room, I figured it to be mid-morning. We were completely alone, and I shifted around slightly. This drew an immediate reaction from Zuko – had he been laying there awake, waiting for me – and I moaned softly as I tried to sit up. I felt sore in a few points, remembering the hits I had taken the night before. It was no longer raining, and actually promised to be a sunny day. Without acknowledging my husband, I climbed out of the bed.
“Where are you going?” he asked. I did not reply as I headed into the washroom, closing the door behind me, hoping he got the message and would leave me alone. I went through my usual morning routine before I splashed cold water on my face from the basin. When I looked up, I saw Zuko in the mirror's reflection, and looked down again, my hands trembling slightly.
“How... are you feeling?” he asked as he approached me, placing his hands on my shoulders. I shivered and pulled away, in no mood to be touched. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him lift the robe off his shoulders and drape it gently across mine, enveloping me in warmth and his scent.
“Sylid is in the parlor, waiting to examine you.” he offered. I nodded and sat down in front of Sylid, staring at him, waiting for him to speak first.
“Are you in any pain right now?” he asked. I glanced down at my hands. I was a bit sore from a bruise on my leg, but I had examined all the damage myself in the bathroom and wasn't too worried about what I saw. After all, I could have landed on my head or back, or snapped my neck. I looked back up and nodded.
“May I examine you?” he asked. He received another nod in response, and he scooted over to me, looking into my eyes, checking my heartbeat and breathing, and all the other things that I went through in my routine check-ups. His hands were gentle and warm, I glanced over at Zuko as I felt Sylid's fingers on my wrist to count my pulse.
“Everything's good. Rest for a couple of days, though.” He paused, stroking his chin. “As for the herbs...”
“What of them?” Zuko asked.
“As her doctor, I feel it best to stop the herbs for a while. A month or two. And then back on it with an increased dosage.”
I clenched my jaw. I honestly had no desire to drink more of that bitter herb.
“Of course, this means that she will have to refrain from intimacy for that time. But that's not just what's best for her, it's best for any woman who has given birth or...” He did not say the last word, and I was grateful for that.
“Of course.” Zuko murmured, seeming unperturbed by the fact that he had just been told that he could not have sex with me for at least a month. “Whatever is best for her.”
How many husbands would have shown such concern for their wives? We had been so angry at one another last night, yet here he was, ensuring that I was okay, agreeing with what the doctor said because he wanted me to be healthy and safe. I thought about the herbs and closed my eyes. There was another way to take care of myself, one that wouldn't require outside assistance. What was it? It lurked somewhere in my memory, something to do with my Bending abilities...
My train of thought was stopped as Sylid glanced back at me.
“I bet you're hungry right now, yes?” All I could do was nod. I had no desire to speak.
“Good! I had the chef prepare a meal that will help recover your strength, you did lose quite a bit of blood. After that, I would like you to stay in bed for today, okay? Nothing strenuous, my lady. And of course, if you need anything else or feel a new pain, I am here.” He offered me a friendly smile. Usually, I would smile back – I genuinely liked him and we had always gotten along well. But I just stared back, and he frowned slightly, clearly unsure of what to do or say.
“Where is it?” I murmured.
“Pardon?” Sylid asked.
“The baby.” I replied. He stared at me for a moment before looking back at the Fire Lord. Finally, he returned his attention to me.
“There was blood, a lot of it, and you were not that far along. It... would be on the cloths that were burnt last night.” he replied. I looked down at my hands.
“I... am deeply sorry for your loss. I understand that it hurts, and I do not begrudge your silence. But do not let grief consume you, my lady.” He turned to Zuko. “I'll leave some sedatives if she needs them. But I doubt such a thing is necessary.” Sedatives? Screw that. I was done with swallowing herbs or medicines.
“As soon as she's rested, we'll go back to Sozun.” Zuko replied. At that, I shook my head angrily, and both men glanced at me curiously. I shook my head again, making my response to Zuko's comment clear.
“But after what happened...” my husband interjected, but I shook my head again.
“My lord, if I may? There's no need to cut your vacation short if the Lady desires to stay here. There's no medical reason she needs to go back to the Palace. Like I said, she is fine, and if she wishes to stay here, then it may be best for her.” Sylid offered. Zuko glanced at me before he nodded slowly.
“Very well.”
I stared after the doctor as the door closed behind him.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
We had breakfast, and Katara didn't even seem to notice what was on her plate or in her bowl. She ate everything as she stared ahead, swallowing her food mechanically and ignoring the few questions I asked her. When I poured more tea into her cup, all I got was a mere nod. Her silence made me feel absolutely terrible. If I hadn't looked into her journal, or if I had simply returned it to her when she asked, or if I had given her the solitude she had asked for...
So many damned ifs. I set down my chopsticks.
“I'm sorry for what happened. Please believe me when I say that I had no intent of burning the journal. I was so distracted with what was happening that I lost control of my inner fire. I... am also sorry for reading your journal. I did not do it because I mistrusted you. Still, it was wrong of me.”
Apologies had always been difficult for me. This one certainly was no exception.
“I am sorry for all the pain, for what happened, for everything. I... That night when you were asking me about having another child. You were trying to tell me, weren't you?” I asked gently. She looked down.
“I did not mean to sound cold or frighten you. And... I would not have punished you for being pregnant. It just happened.” I swallowed a lump in my throat. What would our child have been like? “Did you think I would have been angry?” I asked. She shrugged.
“I would have been shocked, yes. But why would I be angry?” I pleased, wanting her to speak. She stabbed a piece of tofu with her chopsticks, swallowing it after barely chewing it.
“I guess you don't feel like talking.” I commented. She shrugged. Okay. Now I understood how Uncle felt when I had not wanted to speak with him. I remember his attempts to coax me out of my shell when all I had wanted was to be left alone.
“That's fine.” I replied, sounding nonchalant. “Just let me know when you want to talk to me, or ask me any questions. I'm here for you. I'm always here for you, love.” I softened my voice, beseeching to her. She glanced at me for a moment before staring out the window. I swallowed and fell silent, determined to not push her any further, and we finished our breakfast. I summoned servants to clear away the dishes, and I took Katara's hand, helping her off her cushion. She did not pull away, but she didn't respond with warmth or eagerness like she always did.
“Is there anything you'd like to do?” I asked gently. She pointed through the window, indicating the beach. I nodded.
“Sure. What would you like to do? Take a walk or some exercise? You could spar with me if that'd make you feel better.” I know Sylid said she needed rest, but I just wanted to see the fire in her eyes and make sure she was all right. Katara shook her head, and then pointed to herself before pointing to the beach. She then pointed to me and shook her head. I sighed softly, fully understanding what her sign language meant.
“Are you just going to shut me out for the rest of your life?” I demanded. She closed her eyes briefly before she looked at me again, and shook her head slowly. Oh, thank Agni.
“Are you still angry with me?” I asked. She sighed before nodding a bit. At least she wasn't nodding wildly or firmly.
“You do know that I am very sorry and that I love you?” I asked. I was responded to with a considerably firmer nod. “You also understand that I'm not angry at you about the baby?” I pressed. Another nod. “I'm sorry it happened. I wondered what a child between us might be like.” I stopped when I saw her eyes brim over with tears and quickly pulled her into my arms for a fierce hug as I heard a quiet sob.
“Whenever you want to talk or ask me questions, just come to me.” I looked down at her tenderly, cupping her cheek before I wiped her tears with the sleeve of my shirt. “Would you like me to leave you alone now?”
Not surprisingly, she nodded.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Thank the spirits I was finally alone, without any interruptions. Of course, I was aware of the presence of guards, but they maintained their distance as I sat on the sand in a lotus position, now dressed in comfortable calf-length silk pants and a matching tunic and short robe, my hair pulled back in a neat bun. Many of my 'other' memories came to me during meditation, so I would meditate as much as I could to decipher the last few pieces of the puzzle. Before, these other memories had been so confusing. But over the last couple of months as I pieced certain things together and meditated more, things became clearer to me. No longer was I shocked or frightened by what I saw, even though I had seen a few unexpected things.
Spirits, guide me. Let me learn the last few vital bits. Are these really my own memories? I silently asked, even though deep down inside, I knew they were. I wondered how that had been possible. I didn't know much about Avatars, but they were supposed to be able to draw upon their past lives for knowledge. I certainly didn't think that I was an Avatar, but I wondered how it was that these memories from another life had seeped into my own. Once in a while I did feel a bit confused as my other memories became clearer, and I would feel disoriented, or think that I ought to have been somewhere else. The journal helped me keep track of these thoughts.
I groaned softly, thinking of what Zuko had said. I was too angry to listen last night, and let my rage sweep me out the door. My hand slid down to my womb. What would he or she have been like? Dark-skinned with gold eyes? Blue-eyed and fair-skinned? Or another mini-Zuko like Kuzon was, or a mini-me?
Was it fate that my child had died? Would I have miscarried even without the fight I had with Zuko? I replayed last night over and over in my head, the rain drenching us as we struggled, and then my blind flight, slipping and taking a fall that could have killed me. I could have snapped my neck or hit my head.
In the aftermath of the fight and my child's loss, the fact that I was still alive was a cold comfort. I wasn't sure how to respond. Do I dwell on the baby's death and pray to the spirits for guidance and forgiveness, or do I press on to unlock my innermost secret? Angrily, I pushed these thoughts away and took a deep breath.
When I opened my eyes, I saw the younger, shaggy-haired Zuko I often saw in my other memories, standing right here on this beach shirtless, the lower half of his body dressed in red pants rolled up at the knees, the waves crashing around his ankles. The breeze ruffled his hair, and I smiled up at him, approaching him before he wrapped an arm around my middle. I felt the water sloshing around my own feet, and closed my eyes, leaning into him. His hand slid along my face, and I opened my eyes to look up at him, seeing how handsome he looked under the twilight sky, the sun casting its dying glow on his skin and catching in his eyes.
“You look good, no matter what light you're in.” I teased.
“That's good to know, Tara.” He grinned back at me.
I gasped softly, blinking again and seeing the bright midday sky, the waves crashing quite a few feet away from my seated form. I looked down, seeing my arms clad in black silk.
Tara. It was so familiar to me, I got an electric chill all the way down to my toes. I couldn't meditate anymore, and rose to my feet, slapping sand off my bottom before I returned to the house.
From my memories of the last few months of this old life, I remembered a Water Tribe youth, a blind Earthbender, Avatar Aang himself, and of course, Zuko. There were other people along the way of course – Suki, Ty Lee, Iroh. At this point, I was able to cobble most of this old life together in a coherent timeline. I remembered my mother from this life, a mother killed in a Fire Nation raid rather than from sickness. And in this life, the Water Tribe youth was my older brother, as opposed to the younger brother who had died with my mother. I had known all of these people, and some of them were still around, though no one would tell me anything. Even then, my own efforts were not in vain. I had organized these other memories in a way I could understand – besides the gaps, of course.
And the biggest gap of all, who was I? Who was I to this younger Zuko – who had clearly loved me very much – and to Avatar Aang, who I had hurt in a heartrending way. All of my memories were before the Battle of Sozun. Nothing at all after. What had happened to me – her – us, whoever I was? What was it that made Zuko so afraid to reveal it to me?
Servants rushed to me solicitously, asking if there was anything I needed. I dismissed them and made my way up the stairs, wondering if Zuko or Kuzon were still in the house. I was so focused on my path that I nearly bumped into Kamas. I gave out a soft cry of surprise, and he quickly bowed to me. I noticed that he was dressed as formally as ever, in a well-tailored outfit with a breastplate and a couple of other military accoutrements.
“A thousand pardons my lady.”
“I didn't expect to see you here.” I replied courteously.
“I was delivering some important documents and mail from Sozun. There's one for you. I left it with the Fire Lord. He's in his study.” he replied with another bow. Left it with Zuko? Hey, if he snooped through my journal, he might snoop through my mail just for the hell of it.
“How are things?” I asked. He nodded.
“The nobles are bored without Court to attend to.” he replied with a small smile. “I trust you are enjoying your vacation and are well.”
“It's wonderful here. Are you staying?” I asked.
“The Fire Lord has invited me to supper tonight. After that I will go back.”
“Sounds lovely.” I replied. He smiled and bowed before heading down the stairs. Apparently he didn't know about what had happened. Thank goodness.
Zuko was at his desk, casually sorting through the leather packet of documents as I entered his study. He glanced up at me and set the papers down, glancing at me in silent regard, open and patient. I approached the desk and glanced down at the spread letters, looking for mine.
“Here.” He picked up a sealed letter and handed it to me. On it I saw my father's seal, and I smiled faintly to myself. I moved to the balcony and sat on one of the soft stools, breaking the wax
News and anecdotes of family life amused me as I read down the page. I smiled faintly to myself until I felt my throat constrict as I started reading the other page of the letter. An Mei had given birth to healthy twins, a pair of boys, and was in excellent health herself. Father must be so pleased. And here I was, having just miscarried his first grandchild. A soft sob escaped my throat. Within seconds, Zuko was at my side, wrapping me up in his arms and embracing me tightly.
“What's wrong?” he whispered.
“The baby... it's my fault, I'm a horrible person...”
“No! Never say that! You slipped and fell. It was an accident. A tragic one, yes. But don't blame yourself!” He gripped my shoulders firmly. “Never, ever blame yourself!”
“Then whose fault was it?” I countered evenly, lifting my hand to wipe my tears.
“Want someone to blame? Go ahead and blame me...”
“Shut up.” I murmured. “You didn't even want a child anyway. You had me on these herbs...”
“I just felt it practical. And I didn't want to risk your health. Women die...”
“It's over anyway. My child is dead.”
“... It was my child too.” He stared down at me his emotions easy to read in these beautiful eyes of his. I found myself lost in them momentarily as I stared back at him. I saw the pain in his eyes, and realized that he mourned as I did. In a strange way, that comforted me.
“Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?” he asked as I let him help me to my feet.
“Yes.” I replied as I looked up at him.
“Certainly. Whatever you need.”
“Call me Tara.”
Zuko's face went slack in surprise, and I continued to stare back at him evenly.
“You did say 'whatever you need'.” I reminded him. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
“Come now. You act as if it's some kind of... ordeal.” I said, poking him in the arm.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Oh, Agni. How many times had I longed to murmur her name or nickname in our quiet or intimate moments? How many times had I nearly done so? She was always Katara, regardless of what name she used. She looked beautiful standing there, the high black silk collar suiting her lovely face and graceful neck.
“Tara.” The nickname I had given her so long ago rolled off my tongue. I was amazed at how... good it felt to say it to her face. She shot me a faint smile before looking down, and when I reached up to touch her face, her cheek was warm. She sighed softly and leaned her head into my hand, like a kitten.
“Tara.” I repeated in a slightly firmer tone, feeling more confident.
“Hmm?”
“I just liked saying it.”
“That's good to know, Zu.”
“Mmm.” I pulled her close again, resting my chin on the top of her head as I inhaled her scent. Maybe, if she already remembered this much, then she could know the whole truth. I would wait and see, though.
“I see you got a letter from your father. What was it – if you want to tell me?” I asked. She sighed and shrugged.
“An-Mei gave birth to twin boys last month.” she said, her voice tinged with sadness. I rubbed her back soothingly.
“Congratulations on being a big sister.”
“I won't be there for them. They'll practically be strangers...” she sighed.
“I'm sorry.”
“No... When I came here, I accepted that my life had changed. But it still feels a bit strange, having siblings I know I can't be close to.” she explained. I nodded, understanding all too well and thinking about Adi.
“Your family is always welcome to visit, you know that.” I reminded her. She smiled faintly and nodded.
“I need a shower.” she murmured, excusing herself and pulling away.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I sat there at the bottom of the tub, letting the warm water run along my body as it came from the shower-head. I didn't seem to be bleeding anymore, but I still felt terrible about what had happened. I wasn't sure if the pain I felt in my womb was real or imagined. I placed my hands over it, gently massaging it and letting out a quiet sigh. Would I ever be able to have another child? Kuzon wouldn't be little forever, and I wanted someone I could take care of in the way I was caring for Kuzon right now. I already had a list of questions to ask Zuko, but I needed to collect my thoughts first.
When I was done, I entered the bedroom, wrapped in a soft and warm red robe with my hair in a matching towel, my husband was gone. I frowned a bit before I saw Hinode kneeling, obviously having been waiting for me.
“The Fire Lord is out on a ride with the Prince. And here is a... invitation.” She bowed, extending her arms and offering me a slim parcel. There was a small seal on top, and it was but one page. I opened it and read it to discover that it was a invitation for me to go and visit Ty Lee. I let out a quiet sigh. Did I really want to right now? The honest answer was no. I still felt a bit weak, and I wanted this time to contemplate for myself.
“I do not feel well enough to go out.” I stated. “Pick out a simple outfit for me, and I will need my hair done.” I turned away, tearing the letter in half as Hinode hastened to my chest to pick out what I needed. After I dressed in loose black silk pants and a plain red knee-length robe, I sat down to have my hair done, staring at my reflection. When I was little, I had never imagined that I would wear the deep red silks of a Fire Lady. The high collar obscured the sight of my necklace, and I reached up to touch the pendant, feeling it under the silk. Had Zuko left so he wouldn't have to answer the questions he knew I had? Maybe. But at the night-table on my side of the bed was my charred journal. I dismissed Hinode and picked up the little book. Most of the earlier pages were blackened, but I had read these pages enough times to remember them by heart. Most of the later pages were only partially burned and very much intact. Below my old journal was a new one, with a plain black silk cover. Oh, a new journal. At least Zuko was making a step in the right direction.
I started to flip through the new one and stilled when I saw something written on the second page in handwriting different than mine. It only took a few words for me to recognize Zuko's own calligraphy.
Let this journal guard your most private thoughts. With all love, your husband. I smiled faintly as I traced his words on the page. But I did not feel like writing right now, and put both of them away before I went outside, leaning against the railing and staring out at the gentle swaying of the palm trees.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I tugged at the reins, signaling to the lizard Kuzon and I were riding on to stop. It lowered itself obediently and I slid down it before lifting Kuzon off as well. I had brought fireflakes and a couple of other treats for us to simply enjoy as we sat out here. It was another little beach – more of a pocket of sand, really – not great for swimming or lying down, but a nice place to be alone. The lizard settled down amongst the rocks to sun itself, and I brought out the lunchbox.
“Why is Mama sick?” Kuzon asked as I took several containers out of the box, opening them and setting them out on a flat rock. I held back a sigh. Naturally, he had come to breakfast this morning and seeing neither of us there, had asked after us. I had told his nurse to keep him distracted until I was ready to give him some attention.
“Because... her stomach hurts.” At least that wasn't too far from the truth.
“Couldn't she heal herself?” he asked. I looked at him quickly.
“...What are you talking about?” I asked. If Katara had regained her healing abilities in this life, then...
“Remember when I was really sick? I was crying because it was so hot and then she wrapped water on her hand and put it on my chest and then... it cooled me down. I didn't feel hot anymore.” He placed his little hand to his chest to show me where it was. I remembered how puzzled Sylid had been when his treatments had no effect on my son. Had Katara saved Kuzon's life? There was no doubt of it.
“Well, when you're in pain sometimes it's hard to focus. She's resting now.”
“She'll be okay, right?” he asked, glancing up at me with concern.
“Yes.”
“Can I see her when we go back?”
“We'll see.” I replied as I stared off thoughtfully. I saw him pout, but did not acknowledge it. Kuzon wanted to explore the little beach and I nodded, watching as he took off his boots and clambered down the slope. I was content to sit there and watch my son play. How often had my own sire watched us simply play? He was there often enough during training or combat sessions, but I couldn't remember a time that Ozai had watched me otherwise.
I smiled to myself as I watched him walk along the rocky shore, occasionally bending down to pick up and examine a rock or shell. I let my thoughts wander, enjoying the pleasant weather and the fact that my son was having a good time. How would he react to having a younger sibling? Would he be jealous or happy? I remembered all too well the bad blood in my family. Kuzon and Adi got along nicely, but they both had their own kingdoms to inherit. There was no reason for them to compete against one another. If Katara had another child, it would be another heir to the Dragon Throne. Of course, it was a rule along royal and noble families to have 'an heir and a spare' and that I should be prepared for all contingencies. I had even considered having a couple of concubines sire more children that would be raised separately and brought to Court in case something happened to Kuzon, but being raised as a bastard wasn't something I wanted to put onto a child.
So many people wanted to be royals. They wanted servants and gold and fancy clothes and all the creature comforts that money could buy, but I knew all too well the price that came with it.
A pained cry snapped me from my reverie, and I looked down to see my son sitting on the wet sand, clutching his foot. I wasted no time in rushing to his side, kneeling in front of him and examining his little foot. The blood that leaked from the cut stood out against his fair skin.
“I stepped on something sharp.” he whimpered, pointing to a pink object half-buried in the sand. I picked it up to see that it was a broken seashell, its jagged edge not visible until I examined it more closely.
“Come on, let's get you cleaned up.” I scooped him up in my arms and went back to our picnic spot. Having received military training, I made sure to be prepared anytime I went out. There was a first-aid kit among the things I had packed, and I gently wiped his foot before wrapping a bandage on it. He only whimpered a bit, but he did not scream or cry.
“Better?” I asked. He smiled and nodded at me.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I heard a gentle knock on the doorpost as I sat there on the sofa in the upstairs parlor, all the windows open to let in the breeze. I enjoyed the atmosphere in this large room, which I had used when I had tea with Ty Lee.
“You wished to see me, my lady?” Kysh said with a bow of his head before he limped across the floor. I nodded and motioned to a cushion. He settled down, his hands folded in his lap. I was happy that Kamas had brought him along, it was clear that he flourished under the care of his adoptive parents. His limp was considerably less noticeable after the exercises and therapy Sylid prescribed for him.
“I just thought I would see how you were doing. What are you reading now?” I asked as one of my servants came forward to place tea on the table, pouring it for Kysh and myself.
“Well, yesterday I started reading Illumination of Agni. So far it's an interesting book.” he replied. I nodded. I had read that after asking my tutor what books were suitable as part of a curriculum of Fire Nation history. Back when I had first come to Sozun, I had asked for one and was quickly provided with one, an intelligent and engaging man who did not hesitate to answer my questions and provide me with the books that he honestly felt were insightful and informative. Nobody in Court would suspect that the foreign-born Fire Lady knew just as much if not more about history, philosophy, and politics than they did. It meant that Kuzon or Kysh or and I could talk seriously of these things, so I could ensure for myself that he was being taught well just like Kuzon was, rather than simply relying on the tutor's reports. The education of both of my adopted sons was a very dear issue to me.
I didn't feel like taking a journey through my memories and honestly needed a break, so I figured it'd be a wise idea to see how Kysh was doing. It provided to be a good distraction and I relaxed as I listened to him.
“Well, keep on reading that book. After you are done with that one, read Growth of the Nation. It provides a good continuation of what you read about in Illumination of Agni.” I replied. He nodded.
“There's something I was thinking about, my lady.”
“Mhm.”
We enjoyed the rest of our tea in comfortable silence before I dismissed him. In a few minutes, the figure of my husband rose from the stairs, carrying Kuzon in his arms.
“In the bedroom.” he ordered. I nodded and went to the suite, wondering what was wrong. My pulse quickened as I saw the bandage on Kuzon's foot.
“Sylid...” I murmured automatically.
“You.” Zuko replied as he set Kuzon down on the edge of our bed. I raised an eyebrow. Certainly, I would be glad to take care of Kuzon, but shouldn't Sylid check to make sure it wouldn't infect or if there was something in there?
“Get some water and heal him.” my husband stated. I took a hesitant step forward before I hastened to the washroom, pumping and then Bending some water from the basin. Zuko had already taken the bandage off and Kuzon held up his foot for my inspection. I saw the small gash and tsked softly.
“What happened?”
“I stepped on a broken shell.”
“Well, why don't we take care of this?” I asked. I let the water wrap against the sole of his foot and focused. Not surprisingly, the cut slowly disappeared, and I placed a light kiss on the top of his foot. He smiled at me as I looked up before he wrapped his arms around my neck.
“Thank you, Mama.”
“You're welcome.” I wrapped my arms around his middle, giving him a tight hug. As I did, I caught Zuko glancing down at me with a faint smile. I blushed a bit and looked down. Slowly, Kuzon and I let go of one another.
“Don't forget to be ready for dinner. Kamas and Kysh will be with us.” Zuko said. Our son nodded before he bowed and left the room.
“Why didn't you tell me you could heal?” he asked gently, now frowning just a bit. I shrugged as I sat down on the bed.
“I figured it out by accident. When Kuzon was sick. And after that, it just didn't seem right to flaunt it.”
“Flaunt? I'm your husband.”
“So you remind me.” I replied dryly as I crossed my arms. “You say you want openness from me? When we were first married, you made sure that I knew what you wanted and that I could be myself.”
“Of course. I wanted you to be happy with me and this place.”
“And you have made me happy.” I let out a quiet sigh. “But now... it's your turn to be open.” I gave him a meaningful glance. “It's only fair, after all.”
“I knew you were going to ask, but I was hoping you wouldn't.” he said with a soft groan, sounding like a petulant version of his younger self.
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Kiss of Fire