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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 Eight – How Fragile is the Night

o0o0o0o
Zuko

It felt good to be coming back to Sozun. Even though I had capable men keeping an eye on things for me, I preferred to stay on top of things. In this way, I was an efficient ruler. Some of my ancestors had preferred to delegate responsibility, enjoying their position just for the comfort and power that came with it.
When my uncle was still alive, he had insisted that I lighten my load. He offered countless times to help me out and share the responsibility. I welcomed his advice and did give responsibilities to him, for I respected his abilities and did indeed appreciate what he did for me. But I constantly felt that if I did not perform to the fullest of my abilities or do as much as I could, I did not deserve to be the ruler of a Nation. My uncle insisted that that was not the case. He often told me that part of being a ruler was knowing when to delegate responsibilities so that I did not become overwhelmed.
It was almost five years since he died. I missed his rambling stories, his tea, his advice, even his odd sayings that often did not make sense to me right away.
I even missed the way he would hint at wanting grandchildren, or for me to find a companion. For the first few years after Katara’s death, I had immersed myself in my responsibilities and Iroh had said nothing about either, knowing that it was not the time.
Eventually, I came to accept concubines. After what I had felt for Katara, these women had nothing for me, but I needed something. I found brief moments of release here and there, but then the loneliness would come rushing back. Nobles would toss their sisters, daughters, nieces, younger cousins, even mistresses at me in an attempt to gain my favor.
I took whatever caught my fancy. Once in a while I might take one of these offerings. Sometimes, when I went out of the Palace, I would find a girl of the lower classes. There would be something appealing about her… a pleasant smile, a gentle look about her eyes, and I would find a brief glimmer of contentment for a while. I even took servant girls, and I liked the anonymity. I found myself preferring these more honest and simple girls to the perfumed and made up girls that were practically shoved into my face at any opportunity.
But in the end, I discarded them all. I was never abusive, and when I was finished with them I would send them off with honor and enough money that they could go on to a better life, or even find a good husband. It did not matter how many women I took. I was never happy. My uncle knew it, and he tried his best, he honestly did. He was more of a father to me than my own sire ever was, and when I became Fire Lord, he was my honored right hand. I did not admit it to him, but I was afraid. I had no confidence in my abilities as a parent. It was true that I had my uncle to use as an example, but we were different people and I feared that I would be like my sire as a parent. Uncle died not long after my heir was born.
But now I had Katara at my side.
My ship was not far from the docks in the harbor, and in a few moments, we would land. I observed some men on the deck of my ship, scurrying about with last minute preparations. In the distance, I saw the docks bustling with activity too. No doubt the people would gather to welcome me home. I was never one for such pomp and ceremony, but there were times that I had to tolerate it.
My bride stood near me, gazing out the window as well. In her eyes and face, I saw trepidation and fear. I had done my best to reassure her. I had answered her questions, and she did have rather good ones that she asked me through the trip, as if she was afraid to ask me too many at once. She had sensible inquiries – what was expected of her? What were her responsibilities? What could she do and not do?
We actually had a good conversation about that. I told her about several different Fire Ladies. There had been Himiko, who had been married to an young but frail Fire Lord. She had been a woman of strong character, keeping the courtiers from preying on her husband, and exerting her will in Courtly affairs, stabilizing a sagging economy and leaving the Nation in better shape for their son.
Then there was Fire Lady Asaharu, who had no interest in Courtly matters, but she became a big patron of the arts, and under her, the Nation enjoyed a sort of renaissance in arts and creativity. The Nation had previously stagnated for several decades under the rule of the former Fire Lord who had been interested more in military enrichment.
There was one Fire Lady who was often used as an example for wives and daughters alike, that of Wan, who was one of the most filial and pious Fire Ladies ever recorded. She never went outside without a veil so that only her husband could see her face, and she meticulously stayed out of Courtly affairs, preferring to live in quiet and work on her embroidery and koto-playing. Of course, I didn't expect Katara to be like that. But I told her to be who she felt most comfortable being. I hoped she would want to take a more active role in our life, and I planned to encourage that.
I also asked her questions about her life and what she knew, comparing her experiences in this one to her past one. Her personality was intact, but she had a different set of experiences to draw from, and this inevitably affected her in certain ways that made her a bit different than she had once been, but I was determined to bring her real self to the forefront. I learned more about her life and was pleased to see that she had maintained her strong character and was in no way spoiled despite the comfortable life her father had created for his family. My guess about her not having a Master was correct, and I felt satisfied to see her eyes gleam with hope and even delight when I promised that I would bring her more advanced Waterbending materials to study if not a actual Master.
Yes. This was Katara returned to me. And this time I would make sure to never lose her. As she stood there, looking like someone being brought to her execution, I reached out to squeeze her hand. She slowly looked up at me, and I squeezed her hand again. The ship slowed down and docked.
“Welcome home.” I whispered as I let go of her hand and beckoned to her.
She was bedecked in one of her finer blue robes, her hair pulled back in a braid. I loved how she looked in blue, for it complimented her dark skin so nicely. But she would also look just as lovely in red...
As I came out on the deck, the men stood to attention, and the ramp was lowered. I heard the roar of the waiting throngs. My bride looked terrified to hear the noise, and I had anticipated her need. While I would be riding on a Komodo, she would be carried in the sedan, so she did not need to fall prey to the curious eyes of the crowds. Kamas had sent out a bird the day before to alert the Palace of my arrival. They were aware that I had an extra person coming with me and had been ordered to prepare accordingly, and I had included the order that they keep this to themselves.
I was not without mercy, and I knew that she would be comforted to know that she would not be presented right away. I wanted to give her time to feel comfortable here.
A Komodo stood on the deck, prepared for me, the ornate but functional saddle polished, its goldwork shining in the sun. The sedan was also out, and I nudged her towards it. Kamas stood next to the opening to help her in it and she looked over her shoulder at me, seeing me take my mount. Kamas closed the door of the sedan and came to my side. I nodded and my guards took up position.
I kept my chin up, my back as straight as a steel rod as I rode my rhino. The first time I had seen the crowds, when I was a child, I had wanted to hide behind my mother. My heart pounded as I stood there and I knew my father was watching, so I had tried my best to remain calm.
The procession to the Palace was without incident. The gates closed when the last of the procession came through and I looked up at the Palace, embracing its familiarity. It truly felt good to be here, in my domain, where I was lord of all.
Kamas helped my bride out of the sedan and she stood there, gazing up at the Palace, her eyes wide. She was gently urged forward by him and climbed up the steps daintily, clearly trying to ignore the attention on her.
I nodded in acknowledgment and listened with half an ear at the servants lined up and knelt before bowing in the entrance hall as they gave me their greeting in chorus. I had heard it plenty of times before. I raised my hand, commanding them back onto their feet. I turned to beckon to my wife and she came forward, her hands folded demurely, her head slightly bowed.
“This is my wife, your new lady Miumi. You will honor and respect my bride, and show her the obedience that you show me. She will be your Fire Lady.” I stated in a firm voice. The servants bowed again, this time greeting her. She looked a bit overwhelmed by it, but through it all, she had remained calm despite the turmoil of emotion I saw in her eyes.
I waved my hand at the servants in dismissal, and the only people that faced me were my son and two men in my inner circle. They were two of my most trusted advisers. I knew that when I left Sozun the Nation was being taken care of by very capable men. Katara remained silent, keeping her head bowed as the men gazed at her, clearly curious about the woman that was to be their Fire Lady.
A man with snow-white hair pulled up into a topknot and sporting a couple of scars near his right eye stepped forward and bowed to her.
“It is a honor to meet you, my lady.” the man announced respectfully. She bowed back to him.
“It is a pleasure to meet you as well… “ She paused, not knowing his name and she hesitated, unsure of whether to ask me or the man.
“I am Jeong Jeong, my lady.” he replied with another respectful bow.
“It is a honor to meet you, Jeong Jeong.” she said, bowing her head again, the picture of a perfect lady. I nodded to the other man. The second one stepped forward.
“I am Yan Jue Sylid, the royal physician, and it is an honor to welcome you here. Welcome to your new home, my lady. May you find bountiful happiness within.” he said kindly, flashing her a brief but warm smile as he bowed. She bowed back to him, giving him a greeting as well. There were a few other advisers as well, but the others were engaged in various tasks I had assigned them. My wife would have plenty of time meeting the important men later. Kamas stood several paces behind me, nodding to his peers.
She fixed her attention on my son.

o0o0o0o
Katara

The child had the light amber eyes that I had only seen on one other person – and that was the man who had taken me to be his. That led me to the unmistakable conclusion that this boy was the Prince that Kamas spoke so highly of. He gazed up at me with a mixture of shyness and curiosity for a fleeting moment before coming forward, kneeling then bowing to his sire.
“Peace unto you, my master, lord and sublimely honored father. It gladdens my heart to be in your most august presence.” the Prince said in a soft but strong voice, keeping his head bowed. His hair was as black as his father’s, and he was bedecked in a red silk robe and pants, with small pointed leather boots on his feet.
“You may rise.” the Fire Lord stated and the young Prince pulled himself to his feet and stood there, stealing shy glances at me. I was not sure of what to do at that moment.
“Have the servants bring dinner up to the Jasmine Parlor. Set three places.” he ordered, and the man named Sylid bowed and took his leave. I turned my head to look up at the Fire Lord. He stood there in front of his son calmly as if they had been separated for only hours or a day at most.
Any time my father left on a trip and came home, he would sweep me up into a tight hug and tell him how much he had missed me, even if he was gone for just a few days. Was the Fire Lord not delighted to see his son after what I figured to be almost a month of absence?
“How were things in my absence?” the Fire Lord asked Jeong Jeong as if the young Prince was invisible.
“Things ran smoothly for the most part, my lord. Your instructions were followed as per usual.” the older man replied.
“Very good. We will convene in the morning to go through things. You are dismissed.”
Kamas and Jeong Jeong took their leave, and the Fire Lord looked back at me.
“It has been a long day. We will eat, and turn in for the night.” he stated.
“Yes, my lord.” I said softly, bowing my head before glancing back at the Prince. I was not sure whether I should smile at him or not as my husband was standing there. What was the proper etiquette between me and the Crown Prince? I suppose I would learn in due time.
“It… is nice to meet you, Kuzon.” I said gently as I looked down at him, wanting to at least start off on the right foot with this child. A flicker of a smile tugged at his lips, and I saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
Hope for what, I wondered. But I would find out soon enough.
“Let us go and eat.” The Fire Lord ordered. The prince and I followed him silently. The Palace was impressive, and the lamps cast an eerie glow. There were shadows in every corner and I could almost imagine the ancestors of Zuko’s line seething in fury at a Water Tribe woman setting foot in this Palace and having to call it home.
My husband walked with long strides, so it was hard for me to catch up, much less the young Prince. I was almost sure that the shadows would swallow him up, and his father would not notice.
I wanted to take his hand and reassure him but I was unsure of what my position was in relation with his, or how he might respond. He was after all Prince of the Fire Nation, and his position was higher than mine, or so I figured.
We came to a moderately-sized but ornately decorated double set of doors. The guards opened them and the three of us entered.
I realized that this was where we were to eat dinner, although at that moment the table was empty. The parlor was an impressive size, with rich furnishings and wall hangings, and giving us a grand view of the gardens at where I surmised was at the back of the Palace.
“Be seated.” the Fire Lord commanded, and the Prince and I found cushions to sit on. The table was smaller, clearly designed for private settings, and Kuzon took one side while I took the next one. The Fire Lord sat directly across from me.
For the first time since his son greeted him, the Fire Lord acknowledged him.
“I trust that you have behaved yourself in my absence.” Zuko said calmly as he glanced down at his son. The young Prince swallowed and nodded.
“Your humble and dutiful son obeyed your every command. I worked hard at my lessons. My tutors tell me that I bring honor to my ancestors and most of all, you. I only pray that I will be found worthy of your blessing.” he said in that same soft but firm voice. I sensed that even though Kuzon was reciting the proper thing to say, he was genuinely trying to please his sire. Zuko nodded briefly, seeming to not notice. Right after that, there was a knock on the door.
The table was set by servants laden with trays and dishes, and the Fire Lord waved them away after their task was done, very much like my father did when the table had been set for the family. It did not surprise me. As we lived together on the ship, I saw that he did not require much ceremony. He held to his position, but he did not seem so arrogant about it or think that people were lower beings than himself even as he commanded them. Because of that, his underlings seemed to genuinely respect him and enjoyed working for him. I was to learn quickly enough that even though he could be very hard at times, he truly was someone worth being loyal to. Even now, I found myself respecting him for his fair treatment of my person.
The Prince and I waited for the Fire Lord to take the first bite before we started our own meals. It went along uneventfully, although the Prince continued shooting shy and curious glances my way.
The Fire Lord’s voice lashed across the table like a whip.
“Your stepmother is not something to gawk at!” he said in a firm voice. The young Prince gasped, looking down at the table again.
“My humblest apologies, my lord. I truly meant no offense and I offer a thousand repentance for my errant behavior. I accept the punishment that my most honored sire will bestow upon me so that I may be a better son.”
I reeled inwardly from shock, both from my husband’s words, and my stepson’s reply and ready acceptance for punishment. Was he truly so afraid of his own father? I had not found the child’s stare to be offensive at all. I was certain that he had never seen a Water Tribe woman before, and children were naturally curious. Impulsively, I raised my head to look at the Fire Lord.
“I am certain the young Prince has never seen a Water Tribe woman, my lord. He was merely curious – as all children are, and I was not bothered by his staring. I am his stepmother, after all, I would not blame him for being curious about me .” I said in a pleasant and friendly tone, glancing back at the young Prince. He was still looking down at the table, and I held back a sigh.
I looked back at the Fire Lord, trying to appease to his warmer and gentler side.
“After all, is not an interest in new things a good trait for a child who will need to know many things for what he has been born for?” I asked, making sure my tone was as gentle and conciliatory as possible.
The Fire Lord glanced at me, and as he did I saw his eyes soften just a little even though his face remained hard. He looked back down at his food and started eating again, as if the whole incident had never happened. I looked over at the young Prince. He kept his eyes down for the rest of the meal. I could feel the tension in the air and wanted to defuse it, but I did not know how, and was certain that I had challenged Zuko enough for the moment, especially in front of a child. I had never had a dinner like this, nor had I ever seen a parent be so cold to their offspring.
We finished dinner and I watched as the young Prince dabbed at his lips delicately with his napkin. His manners were impeccable and I had to wonder just how much he was trained.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Kuzon. I am glad to have shared dinner with you.” I said with a warm smile. He ventured to glance up at me shyly. The Fire Lord said nothing.
“I hope that we may eat together again in the future. I would be honored if you would allow me to get to know you better…” I continued. He glanced at me curiously for a moment before averting his eyes respectfully.
“May I ask a question?” Kuzon asked shyly. I glanced up at my husband, and he nodded.
“Yes you may.” I said.
“Are… are you here to stay? Jeong Jeong said that you are my father's wife.”
Before I could answer, the Fire Lord stepped in.
“Yes. She is my wife and she is here to stay, and you will always address her with respect as you address me. Is that clear?” he asked. Kuzon bowed his head. The Fire Lord called for the servants and they came in to clear the table.
“You are dismissed. It is time for you to go to sleep.” the Fire Lord stared calmly. The young Prince nodded and rose to his feet, bowing his head.
“I am glad that you are home and I am honored to share a meal with you. May you have a restful night, my lord… and lady.” Kuzon stated. The Fire Lord nodded in approval before a guard escorted the Prince out.
“Good night. Sleep well, and have pleasant dreams.” I called out after him softly. He looked over his shoulder at me for a moment and I saw a flicker of a smile before the shadows claimed them. The door closed and I sat there quietly, my hands folded in my lap.
“Are you tired?” Zuko asked, his voice now a little warmer than it had been since he left the ship.
‘Very much so, my lord.” I replied, feeling relieved that there was nothing more to do tonight, or at least I hoped. He took my hand, and he led me upstairs to a set of doors with a great brass dragon emblazoned on it. We were admitted into what became clear to me was Zuko's own rooms. Along one wall in the front room, my luggage was piled. The room had several pieces of plush red furniture and a low table, and there were several bookshelves. The tapestries and wallpaper was in shades of deep red and gold – just as I would expect.
“We will go to sleep and worry about other things tomorrow.” the Fire Lord said with a slight nod. I bowed my head before he rose and offered his hand. The grip he formed around my hand was firm yet gentle, and he led me through a small room with several paintings to his bedchamber. The room was grand, and in the middle of the room was a large four-poster bed with a mahogany headboard. It looked as if it could easily bed five people and there were also drapes but at that moment, they were drawn back.
“Get ready for bed.” he said as he gestured to a smaller door that led to the washroom. I returned to my luggage and pulled out a nightgown and a robe before using the washroom for what I needed. The bathroom was as lavish as I might expect, and there was a full-length mirror in the corner. I unlaced my nightgown, loosening the front so I could see my birthmark. Sometimes, when we were in bed, Zuko's hand might wander to my breast, sometimes to touch and squeeze the mound itself, other times he would touch the birthmark or rub his finger along it as if making sure it was there. I should be glad that he was not disgusted by the mark, but I did find his reverence confusing. I quickly tightened the laces before I pulled my hair out of its bun and braided it.
When I was done, he went in, and I stood there, staring at the bed that I would share with Zuko. Hesitantly I walked over to it, unsure of which side to sleep on. I made the decision to take the same side that I slept in on the ship, and pulled back the comforter. Linen sheets met my eyes, to my surprise. I had been expecting that here at home, the Fire Lord would allow himself more luxury.
I remember once, when Enki and I had been out of earshot of other people, he had mentioned that his bed had silk sheets. I knew why he had said so and had blushed at that mention, for it was inappropriate to speak of such things, but I did not dare chastise the King of Omashu. I had simply looked away demurely, not replying to his suggestion.
But the sight of clean white linen sheets comforted me. At home, we slept on linen and I was glad to feel something familiar against my flesh. Over it was a soft red blanket, and on top of that, a thick red comforter, I pulled them all down on my side and crawled onto the bed. The mattress was even softer than the one on the ship and I let myself sink into it. But it was not too soft and had a reassuring firmness that I appreciated. I pulled up the sheet and blanket, leaving the comforter where it was since the weather really was too warm for that.
I curled up on my side, waiting patiently as I lay there in the darkness. A lone lamp illuminated the room and there was no light from outside as the moon had waned. The shadows surrounded me and again I had the feeling they would come and swallow me up. I snuggled under the blankets as if that might protect me. I knew that it was silly and childish to have such a belief – but I could not help it. I was afraid of this intimidating place.
Zuko finished his nightly routine and came to the other side of the bed, removing everything but his pants. He shoved the comforter back so it rested near the foot of the bed before lying next to me, draping an arm across my middle. Instantly I felt safe and comfortable, enveloped by a sense of familiarity as I always did when he held me close.
“My lord, may I ask you a question?”
“You may ask anything of me.” he replied gently.
Ever since our first encounter there had been an undercurrent between us, a feeling that he knew something that I did not. He seemed so sure in his decision to have me as his wife and was so confident in saying that he cared about me even though I had known him for but two weeks.
“Why do you want me so much?” I asked softly as I turned my head to look at him. He was silent for several moments.
“I just do.”
“There's something you're not telling me.” I retorted, and he was silent for several moments, staring back at me as his grip around my middle tightened.
“You are special to me.” was all he finally said after this silence.
“Why do you want me so much? What is it about me that makes me so alluring to you? There's something you're not telling me.” I pleaded. He was warm and relaxed at that moment, so I dared to press him for it when I normally would not think of doing. I gently touched his bare chest with the tips of my fingers, and he squeezed a bit more tightly.
“Just because you are. There is no other for me.” he replied evasively.
“But...”
“No.” Zuko said in a much firmer tone.
“Good night, my lord.” I said, looking away. He nodded before placing a kiss on the side of my neck. I stared off at the wall until I fell asleep.
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Kiss of Fire