So this is the real deal, I had to get this story out of my head xD
Okay, you need to know that my fanfic "An evening together" is the prequel of this one. Something like a prologue... so if you want to know what happened in the last events of the previous evening of this story feel free to read it ^^.That being said...
Enjoy!

The First Move

Zuko opened his eyes slowly, the first beams of sun energy already calling his firebender blood and stripping him of slumber.
Mai was still sleeping; he could feel her soft breathe against his neck. Their legs were tangled and his arm was lying around her waist protectively.
He smiled remembering the last events of the previous evening, then proceeded to place gentle kisses on the crown of her head that slowly brought her back to consciousness.
She opened her eyes and looked up at him.
"Hey…" She said drowsy.
"Hi… " He said widening his smile.
She yawned and stretched in the bed trying to wear off sleepiness. Zuko took the opportunity to drink her in again. He knew he had to get off the bed in some more minutes, and this would probably be his last chance to see her naked body in what could be days. When she stopped stretching he lifted her chin and kissed her with such tenderness it overwhelmed her.
"You look so beautiful in the mornings."
Mai grinned.
"Yeah, because the rest of the day I'm a mess aren't I?"
Zuko chuckled at her usual sarcasm, then his face became serious and he rested his forehead against hers, looking directly to her eyes.
"I love you." He murmured.
"Well look who woke up romantic today." She said teasingly.
Zuko smiled again, looking down. Mai cupped his cheek and caressed it gently, bringing her lips towards his. They kissed again slowly, savoring the moment, imprinting the other one's taste and scent for the rest of the day.
A shy knock on the door broke their stupor.
"They can't be serious." Mai said annoyed.
"It has to be Aiko." No one ever bothered them in the Firelord's Bedchamber, no one except their daughter. But Aiko didn't used to knock…
"Fi…Firelord Zuko? A…Are you awake?" It was a young female voice, though definitely not Aiko's.
Mai groaned and scowled at the door, but Zuko began to feel uneasy. A bad feeling was starting to grow inside him, there had to be an important reason for someone to disturb the Firelord so early in the morning and he didn't think it was to bring him good news.
"Fi…Firelord?" The voice repeated, fear was palpable in it.
"I'm awake," He said gruffly while getting out of the blankets. "Wait a minute."
He opened his wardrobe and dressed in the uncomfortable Firelord's robes, then headed to the bathroom and splashed his face with water. When he looked back at the mirror he found Mai's face looking at him, she was already dressed in a red and gold gown, an elegant piece yet comfortable.
"You didn't have to get up." Zuko reproached, Mai could continue to sleep peacefully in their bed. He hated when she was also disrupted by his duty.

"They wouldn't have called upon our door if it wasn't really important" Mai said approaching him with his Firelord headpiece. "I want to be there." Zuko nodded and let Mai comb his hair into a topknot. When they were both ready Zuko opened the door.
"You…your majesty." The woman said bowing; she was a new young servant Zuko had seen few times around the palace. "I… I'm sorry to interrupt you, but… they sent me… for you…" The servant shook her head fervently. "I mean, the Fire Sages need you urgently, and…. They thought it would be better not to wait to inform you of what has… happened." She seemed terrified, and Zuko's heart began to hammer. He and Mai looked at each other and she tried to reassure him holding his hand.
"We will go immediately." He said firmly, though Mai could sense his worry. "Take us where the Fire Sages are."
It wasn't a long walk to the entrance of the Throne Room but something in the atmosphere made every step heavier. Every time they encountered a servant they would give them numerous of odd looks; some of them stared at Zuko with curiosity, others would hide their smiles at Zuko's gaze, but none of them were sad or afraid. What was going on?
The Sages were debating between them when the Royal Couple reached them, at the sight of them they all bowed.
"Firelord Zuko, Lady Mai." The High Sage greeted them.
"What is the reason for your visit?" Zuko was tired of all the mystery. He wanted them to tell him immediately what was this all about.
They all looked at each other, then nodded.
"We came to inform you that former Firelord Ozai has passed away."
Zuko blinked thrice.
"We believe he was poisoned."