"Are you coming to bed?"

Zuko looked up from the documents, Erzulie was standing in the study doorway in her nightgown and robe. He hadn't realized how late it was, he spent most of his day in meetings and in his study. Zuko doesn't even think he ate a proper meal, even though the war was over and peace was made with the other nations work was still very difficult. He sat back in the chair and ran his hand through his hair, "I thought being the Fire Lord would be easier with age." He touched his scar. It's been four years since Zhao gave him his scar, he tried to attack Erzulie but Zuko got in the way. Zhao was banished to the frozen wasteland of the former Western Water Tribe, Erzulie still hasn't stopped apologizing for causing Zuko to get that scar. He told her it wasn't her fault and she shouldn't feel bad about it, it was her father's fault and he was suffering for his crime.

"No more work, now come to bed." She took his pen and pushed the documents away "I don't want you dying from stress." Erzulie tugged on his hand. He sighed and stood up if he didn't cooperate with her it would end badly. Zuko allowed her to lead him to their chambers, they nodded at the guards posted at the doors as they went in. She grabbed his pajamas then pushed him towards the bathroom, "Relax and enjoy the bath." She told him when he began to protest. Erzulie went to her vanity and sat down, she freed her hair from the topknot then ran her fingers through it. Over the years she had changed in a lot of ways, her hair was now below her shoulder blades. It fell in soft waves that her maids just adored, they spent hours styling it in different ways. She wasn't in her awkward phase anymore, Erzulie blossomed into a lovely young woman. She was uniquely beautiful as Iroh would say, her body has developed some womanly curves. The council thinks she is ready to bear children now, she and Zuko can't even look at each other naked. How could they go through the process of having children, it would be incredibly weird and uncomfortable.

Over the years Zuko and Erzulie have become best friends, it's hard seeing each other than that. It was very uncomfortable when nobles asked them about their love life, they wanted to know if they get intimate with one another. Even though they aren't sexually involved, Zuko does have a mistress. A noblewoman named Hyuna, she is an older woman that is experienced in the art of lovemaking. She was given to Zuko when the council found out Erzulie wasn't performing her wifely duties, Hyuna has a room in the west wing next to the rooms Erzulie's ladies in waiting stay in. She comes to the north wing when she is summoned by Zuko, well she now she comes whenever she wants. Azula said that she was overstepping her boundaries, she tried convinced to her to burn Hyuna and show her who was in charge.

Erzulie couldn't do anything that cruel, it's just not in her nature. In her six years of her being Fire Lady, she has only lost her temper a grand total of three times. Zuko, on the other hand, is quite temperamental, she has gotten very good at calming him down. "The dragon is no match for the siren's song." Their friend and bodyguard, Chan remarked jokingly one day when Zuko was stressed about meeting with the other world leaders. He was so worried about messing up and possibly starting another war, Erzulie soothed him and assured him that everything would be alright.

Her attention went to the bathroom doors, Zuko came out without a shirt on. Her cheeks got warm all of the sudden, Erzulie pretended to brush her hair. Her heartbeat quickened when he walked up to her, Zuko took the brush and turned it on the right side. "Better?" He chuckled, she snatched it from him.

"That is the third time this week." He put on his shirt, covering his wonderfully sculpted stomach "I'm beginning to think that you like me." Zuko teased.

"S-shut up!" She stuttered, her blush deepened and her eyes lowered to the contents on the vanity "I don't think of you that way."

"Then why were you staring?"

"I wasn't staring, I was thinking about tomorrow."

"Lies."

"I was, I have more important things to than to stare at your physique!"

"Like brush your hair or least try to?"

"I was distracted!"

"By me, why Erzulie I am flattered."

"You-ugh I wasn't talking about that!"

"Then what distracted you?"

"The heat, I'm hot."

"Are you bothered as well?"

"Ye-stop it!"

Zuko laughed at her discomfort, he continued to chuckle as he settled into bed. She huffed and braided her hair, she snuffed out the candles and climbed into the bed. Erzulie pinched him then rolled over, "Jerk." She snuggled into her pillow. "Do you tease Hyuna like this?" Her voice came across as bitter and jealous, that wasn't on purpose and now he's going lord that over her as well.

"On occasion." He answered he sounded like he was smiling "Does that bother you?" Zuko's hand ghosted over her shoulder and down to her hip, this was something new. She wasn't sure how she feel about this new interaction, tonight is quite interesting.

"I am just curious." Erzulie tucked stray hairs behind her ear "I have no reason to be bothered."

"Your tone says otherwise," Zuko argued

"I'm tired, I could care less about your tryst with Hyuna." She sassed.

"You brought it up, you bring up our tryst a lot." He countered, she couldn't hear the amusement that was present earlier.

He was right, and for some reason, he and Hyuna bother her. Erzulie sighed turned to look at his shadowy figure, she could faintly see his face. "Be that as it may." Her voice had a superior tone to it, she sat up and looked down at him "But, my issue isn't with your relationship." Erzulie felt him shifted on the bed. The candlelights came to life, the flames bathed the room in a warm golden glow. Now they were up looking at each other, for a moment they were silent.

"Then what is your issue?" He leaned back against the headboard, he folded his hands on his abdomen and patiently waited for her answer.

"It's complicated." She sad dismissively, in true it was quite complicated. She can't pinpoint exactly what is bothering her, but whatever it is it's really starting to irritate her. "Very much so, I can't tell you." She looked off, Erzulie gazed at the full moon through the sheer purple curtains. Instead of the traditional golds and reds that were around the entire palace, Erzulie had their chambers decorated with purple and a deep red. At first, Zuko was against it, but she had already made up her mind and there was no changing her mind. The new design has grown on him and he doesn't complain anymore, maybe he'll allow her to redo the whole palace.

"Can't or won't?" Zuko challenged, his tone made her look at him.

"Pick one." She crossed her arms.

"Are you jealous Zulie?" A smirk tugged at his lips.

"Absolutely not!" She hissed "What a stupid thing to ask!"

"Why is the idea of you being jealous so ridiculous." He raised an eyebrow.

"Because you're my best friend, and I don't have those kinds of feelings for you." Erzulie explained, "It's too...weird."

"So hypothetically speaking, if you were jealous and had feelings for me." He looked into her eyes "What would you say or better yet do?"

She thought for a moment, she chose her words carefully "Well hypothetically, I am sure that I would be quite vocal about your mistress and I would do everything in my power to make Hyuna leave." She answered.

"And if I protest?" He pressed.

"Then prepare for a hellish nightmare." She smirked, "Now let's get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be an eventual day."

The candles are extinguished and they settled into bed, they continued to face each other as they drifted off to sleep.

~•°•°•~°•°•~~•°•°•~°•°•~

Beloved

~•°•°•~°•°•~~•°•°•~°•°•~

Preparations for the Zuko's eighteenth birthday had the servants running around the palace like chicken's with their heads off, Erzulie was in the mist of the chaos. She wanted everything to be perfect for this evening, her stress levels were at an all-time high. She hasn't been this stress since Zuko was burned, the overwhelming guilt made her sick. Literally, she emptied all of her stomach contents into a vase. If she had been more careful and handled Zhao better, Zuko wouldn't have that scar. She remembers kneeling down beside his bed apologizing, she wept and held his hand. Even he was in a catastrophic amount of pain, he comforted her and assured her that nothing was her fault. Erzulie barely left his side, during his recovery they grew closer and closer. The once fragile relationship they had blossomed into an unbreakable bond, they're more than husband and wife, they are best friends. At first, Zuko and the council were discussing the idea of executing Zhao for his crime. But she convinced him otherwise, she persuaded her husband to banish he to the frozen wastelands of the once great and powerful Western Water Tribe.

Those lands have been abandoned for centuries, her father will remain there for the rest of his days. The bitter cold and madness will be his punishment, a fate worse than death. She hates her father with a burning passion, but she couldn't bare to watch her father being burned alive. She knows that if they would have gone through with the execution, Erzulie would have nightmares.

After finishing a few last minute details with the decorations and food, Erzulie to have tea with Zuko. It's apart of their daily routine that they've been following since their engagement, but as of late she has come to dread this ritual. Hyuna has taken it upon herself to join them in their "alone time", never in the history of the royal family has a mistress ever disrupted the private moments of the Fire Lord and his Lady. Well, the past few years have been full of firsts and surprises. Erzulie has bit her tongue about the situation and kept her feelings to herself, she doesn't know what it is but Hyuna's presence unnerves her. Just seeing the older woman makes Erzulie feel like an imp, a frumpy old woman. And Hyuna is aware of that fact, she knows about her inner thoughts and feelings. She takes pleasure in knowing that Erzulie's awkward appearance is overshadowed by her extraordinary beauty, Hyuna is always complimented by men and women alike. Hyuna is everything Erzulie isn't, it pains her to realize that.

Erzulie freshened up before going to the tea room, she wanted her outward appearance to seem stress-free and cheerful. Erzulie didn't want Hyuna to see her inner turmoil, it will only fuel for her wildfire ego and give her something else to gossip about. She has because used to the whispers around the palace and the rumors being spread across the Fire Nation, many of the nasty stories are about her being barren. She can't prove that rumor to be untrue because she's still a virgin. She and Zuko may share a bed, but they never consummated their marriage. Erzulie doesn't understand why everyone is pushing for an heir, they are still young and unprepared. It's one thing to be the Lord and Lady of a country, but being parents is a completely different responsibility. She went over to her vanity and grabbed Zuko's gift, it was a collection of old epic poems and psalms of heroes and lords of the four nations. He has always enjoyed stories like this, whenever he has time to sit down and read a book. He chooses books about heroes and their incredible adventures, he'll spend countless hours reading. Erzulie has had to force him to sleep more than a few times because he wouldn't put the book down, she just knows he will love them. He'd better because it took her forever to gather these extremely rare pieces of literature, months of endless searching and countless headaches.

Zuko will be overjoyed when he receives his gifts.

Upon entering the tea room, Erzulie wasn't surprised to see Hyuna there. The older woman rose and bowed slightly to the young Fire Lady, the simple movement was filled with grace and elegance. Erzulie returned the gesture then took her seat at the table. Hyuna's eyes went to the stack of books on the table, they looked a bit old and wore. They seemed to pale in comparison to her gift for her lover, a sword with a fascinating background. "It must have been a difficult task to find those books," Hyuna commented, she watched the edges of Erzulie's mouth twitch subtly.

"Quite, I nearly went mad." Erzulie watched the look amusement cross the older woman's face, she forced herself to keep a calm expression "I went to great lengths to make sure he has an extraordinary birthday." She stated, everything she said was true. Erzulie worked hard to make this day memorable, all she wants to do is make him happy.

"That makes two of us," Hyuna said, she picked up a sword and showed it to her. The handle was made of gold and molded into a dragon's face looking up, the eyes were rubies and the mouth was open with a flame coming out of it. The sheath was red with a dragon surrounded by fire, the dragon was very similar to the one on the handle. When she unsheathed it the sunlight reflecting off the blade nearly blinded Erzulie, the blade was made of nephelinite. This sword was an incredible work of art, the blacksmith who made it must have spent numerous hours perfecting it. "Legend is that this was the sword was wielded by Agni," Hyuna smiled, she could detect the young woman's discomfort.

"Really?" Erzulie was genuinely interested and somewhat upset.

"Yes, eons ago Agni conquered the forbidden lands and formed Fire Nation with this sword," Hyuna explained.

Erzulie was familiar with the story of the forbidden lands, long before the Fire Nation came about there were islands that were ruled by a powerful demon named Khali. He enslaved thousands and killed millions, including women and children. It was Agni and this army of rebels that saw to the fall of Khali, the battle was rumored to have lasted four hundred days. In a moment of desperation a young Agni went to the great spirits and begged for a way to defeat the tyrant, they granted him godlike powers and a sword. On the back of his dragon and armed with his sword, Agni returned to the forbidden lands and ended Khali's reign. Khali was sealed away underneath the chain of volcanoes, Agni was made a god and with his gift, he formed the Fire Nation. Many believed the sword used to pierce the heart of the demon was hidden in the catacombs under the capital, others say that Agni gave it to the Sun Warriors to protect the dragons. But sadly the Sun Warriors and dragons are gone, they perished a long time ago.

"It's a very lovely gift." Erzulie complimented "Lord Zuko will be overjoyed." She smiled.

"Only the best for his highness, a man like him deserves a useful gift," Hyuna said, the slight edge in her tone did not go unnoticed by Erzulie.

The corners of her mouth turned down a tiny bit, the Fire Lady sent her an icy look. "I see." She purred, Erzulie wasn't going to humor her today. There is far too many things to worry about, like Zuko's birthday celebration. She spent an entire month planning it, it had to be perfect.

"Stress is getting the better of you, why don't you go lie down." Hyuna was trying to get rid of her, she wants Zuko to herself this afternoon.

"I appreciate your concern, but I don't have the luxury to lounge about," Erzulie emphasized, she straightened up her back and folded her hands in her lap.

"If I maybe bold to ask, why are you here if you're busy?" She posed, she watched the look of surprise quickly cross her youthful face. "All this time you could be finishing your duties, but you're here," Hyuna said, she could see her demeanor crumbling.

"I suppose you are right." the Fire Lady's voice cracked a little, she cleared her throat then composed herself again. "But, this is a tradition I cannot push aside," Erzulie said in a matter of fact tone, she refused to back down from this woman.

"Traditions are very important to you?" Hyuna asked they engaged in a stare down.

"Among many things." Her voice was chipped, Erzulie doesn't understand this woman's little mind game.

Before Hyuna had a chance to respond Zuko entered the tea room, the sweet and polite Hyuna appeared. She always pretends like she and Erzulie are friends, this woman has more faces than Koh and Erzulie want to burn every single one. The women rose to their feet and greeted him, he returned the gesture then they took their seats. Once the was served and everyone was engaged in a deep conversation, Hyuna presented him with his gift. She told him the same story that she told Erzulie, minus the superior tone. And the menacing glint that is always in her eyes that is present when she speaks to Erzulie, she grabbed his and looked him. "Here are my gifts." Erzulie handed him the books, "I hope you like them." She smiled. He had better like them, it took her forever to find them and her life was in a bit of danger.

"These were the surprise you've been hiding." His voice teased her, she nudged him and smirked.

"I did a pretty good job because you never figured it out." She smiled proudly, every time she tried to surprise Zuko he managed to find out her secret ahead of time and pretend like he was surprised. Erzulie doesn't fall for it because he is a horrible actor, "You're old age is catching up to you." She said playfully.

"You'll be eighteen too." He turned to her.

"Not until winter." She sipped her tea, Erzulie shifted in her seat until she was comfortable.

"Which is quickly approaching," Zuko responded.

That is very true, in the next couple of months, she'll be of age to have children. The council constantly remind her of her eighteenth birthday, she still doesn't want to and everyone forcing them makes it more difficult.

It's her duty as the Fire Lady, those words circled around in her head each and every day. The pressure of having children was becoming unbearable, Erzulie was afraid and angry. They told her if she is without a child before she is thirty, Hyuna will be given the opportunity to produce an heir.

Her and Zuko could never participate in those types of activities. They agreed to never kiss again when they got married, intercourse is most definitely out of the question. "Don't remain me." She cut her eyes in his direction, Erzulie frowned and took another sip of her tea "I've heard enough of that from the council." She grimaced.

Zuko placed a hand on hers, the sentiment is very familiar but there's was something different about it. The interaction seemed to upset Hyuna, she moved closer to him and tried to turn his attention to her. Her leg "accidentally" brushed his, she smiled demurely when he looked at her out the corner of his eye. Her fingers laced with his hand that was on his lap, an action to secure his full and undivided attention. Erzulie knew exactly what she trying to do, Hyuna was trying to take his attention away from her by seducing him in a subtle manner. This is something she can't compete with, her feminine charm was nonexistent. Erzulie is more notable for her abilities with firebending, political knowledge, and military prowess. Her physical features are rarely noticed, this is something she has grown accustomed to.

As they enjoyed their tea in silence Zuko took this opportunity to observe Erzulie, her body subtly tensed and there was an emotion in her eyes that he couldn't quite describe. Irritation, jealousy maybe? With Hyuna there he couldn't ask her about it, Erzulie never openly talks about her feelings in front of her. She makes sure to stay mysterious and aloof, her responses are purposefully short and vague.

This made him think about the conversation they had last night, he thought the hypothetical situation he brought up and the issue she never fully explained.

~•°•°•~°•°•~~•°•°•~°•°•~

Beloved

~•°•°•~°•°•~~•°•°•~°•°•~

As expected during this types of events, Erzulie to go around and socialize with all the women of the court. Despite some of their obvious dislike of her, especially the ones that Hyuna are friends with. Their snobby remarks and cold behavior made her feel inferior, it's insane to think that especially since she's the Fire Lady. She put on her brave face and smiled sweetly, Erzulie will just have to endure the scornful looks. She made her way around the party, having a bit of small talk with everyone like a perfect hostess should. Erzulie took a wine glass from one of the trays servants were walking around with, she slowly sipped and savored the taste. It's funny because seven years ago she hated wine, now she enjoys it. Erzulie looked up and noticed some noblemen staring at her in a very predatory way, she blushed and pushed a few stray hairs out of her face. Due to the extremely hot weather, she was dressed in a simple but elegant gown. It caressed her every curve and the soft green color looked beautiful on her bronze skin, she wore this because Zuko loves seeing her in green and it's his favorite color.

This new attention made her feel slightly uncomfortable, she sent them a polite smile then disappeared into the mess of people. Erzulie found her way over to Zuko, he was speaking to the Prime Minister and his wife. Without looking in her direction, he took hold of her hand.

"You have outdone yourself my Lady." the Prime Minister complimented, he gave her a warm smile.

"Thank you, I am just glad the Fire Lord is enjoying himself." She looked at Zuko, her smile was forced. He was so difficult to deal with sometimes, it was like trying to get a child to eat their carrots. He puts up a fight all the time, it's ridiculous!

"Yes, I have the most caring wife." Zuko said the older couple didn't seem to catch the sarcastic undertone, "I am grateful for her."

The Prime Minister's wife gushed at the comments, she was just in awe at the display of "affection" the young couple was showing. If only she knew!

When the dancing began, Erzulie was whisked away by several gentlemen and Zuko danced with the other women. The band played several Fire Nation classics and other songs from different nations, Erzulie was grateful for the tiny break she got in between dances. Her feet were killing her, just one more dance and she can relax. Suddenly everyone expect for the young couple moved to the walls of the ballroom, Zuko approached her and took her hand. They bowed deeply to each other then went to the center of the room, the music for the rumba began. He pulled her to him, his large hand rested on her lower back while the other grasped her dainty hand. "Don't step on my feet this time." She teased quietly, Erzulie allowed him to take her through all the steps.

Erzulie noticed how uncomfortable he was, Zuko wasn't the one to dance in front of people. He was stiff and he was concentrating on his movements, "Hey." She made him look at her, "Relax, pretend it's just us." She whispered. Zuko looked out the corner of his eyes at the people watching them, "Look at me, look into my eyes and feel the music." Erzulie further instructed. Slowly, his body began to relax and his movements didn't look stiff and forced anymore. The young couple glided cross the floor in perfect harmony, Zuko actually started to enjoy dancing with her. The crowd disappeared and the music took over, their eyes never left each other.

The guests watched in amazement as they effortlessly moved through the very sensual dance, they couldn't stop looking. It was like they were watching to lovers meeting again after years of being apart, they smirked and occasionally whispered something in each other's ear. The adults could tell they were teasing one another, the scene was rare because the young royals hardly ever displayed playfully behavior in public. The were usually the perfect example of poise and refinement, the way a Lord and Lady should behavior in a public setting.

The women gushed at how lovely they looked together, all expect for Hyuna. Their dance wasn't nearly as special as his with Erzulie, when they danced he seemed to be distant and uninterested. Even when he was tense Zuko was more connected, he was looking at the young Fire Lady with such love and admiration. Hyuna felt like Erzulie doesn't deserve to be looked upon with so much love, she doesn't please him like she does or appreciate him like her. She knew that she would be more fitting to be his wife, she would happily perform her wifely duties in order to make him happy. The guests applauded after the couple finished, they bowed to each other then the party guests. Hyuna didn't miss the look Zuko gave Erzulie, it was a look she couldn't explain. The young Fire Lady blushed and giggled after he whispered something to her, she playfully nudged him then whispered in his ear. Jealousy consumed her, Hyuna turned away from the disgusting scene.

"She is a talented dancer." Someone spoke from behind her, Azula approached her "I must say I'm quite envious of her." She confessed.

"Yes, a very gifted dancer." Hyuna grabbed a wine glass, she took a sip it slowly savoring the taste.

"I see you are jealous of my sister in law, it's rather comical in a pathetic sort of way," Azula said.

"And why does that amuse you?" The woman was greatly offended.

"Let's see, your behavior is what is so funny." Azula retorted, "You think if you belittle Erzulie, my brother will return your affections and shove her to the side."

"You don't know what you're talking about." Hyuna snapped.

"Oh, but I do." Azula inspected her nails, "You should stick to lying on your back because nothing good will come from your immature antics." She walked away.

Hyuna sent an icy glare in the Princess's direction, she wasn't just a whore and Zuko knew that. Her role was far more important than what everyone claims it to be, she was fulfilling duties that Erzulie simply brushed off or deemed unnecessary. The young Fire Lady was there to only keep the picture clean and perfect, she was a decorative item rather than a true Fire Lady. Hyuna decided that she will voice her opinion later that evening, he would understand her and react in a reasonable manner. As the party drew to a close, Hyuna had suggested that he spent the rest of the night with her. Unfortunately, Zuko had other plans to enjoy the rest of his evening with Erzulie, the images of them tangled in the sheets haunted her.