A vast forest, alight with flames spread out before him. The terrible shadows of the flames danced like mischievous children against the splendid trees. The moon cast a haunting light spindling through the alcove, the trees swaying in an ethereal rhythm.

A girl stood in the middle of a clearing, hair dark and flowing, swaying in time with the dancing trees, showering her back in a cascade of soft chestnut cashmere. The moon cast a blanket of silver across her delicate, pure skin. He took a step toward her and then another, finally breaking into a run, his feet flying of their own accord. His heart thundered in his chest as the flames rose, capturing the girl, engulfing her until he could see her no more. But still he ran, feet never growing nearer, only rushing across the warm grass, struggling until he felt his heart would burst but never nearing the maiden. Finally the fire had her and only one sound reached his ears, one whisper that seemed to echo of a thousand pains with the force of a million screams.

"Zuko."

The Fire Lord shot up, cold sweat trickling down his face like a waterfall. His chest rose and fell, a heavy grip closing around his heart. Papers shuffled to the floor, like a dozen wings taking flight, reminding Zuko of where he was.

He sat in his office, the quarters cool and refreshing in the fledgling light of early morning. The edges of dawn crept in from his office, pouring through his windows like careful watchers, settling and waiting for the morning to invite them in. Zuko rubbed his face, running a hand through his tousled hair. He pushed himself up carefully, stretching his taut muscles and reaching to pick up the scattered reports.

A howling creak rattled the room as a a soft footstep pranced across the floor. Zuko turned, the morning grogginess still hanging over him, and cast a cold glare at the intruder. Then he stopped, seeing who it was.

His face softened, his heart fluttered uncontrollably and his eyes blazed into life, cutting through the fog of sleep.

"Good Morning," Katara smiled, looking absolutely chipper despite the early your. She walked over to his desk placing one hand casually on his desk, leaning over in a seductive manner. Her long chestnut hair slid over her shoulders like a gossamer scarf. She was dressed in a lovely blue dress, form fitting but with n edge of authority, an orderly fashion to fabrics lay and lines.

"Morning," he mumbled, standing over the desk to meet her eyes with his. His tousled hair hung lazily against his face, his strong features framed by the ebony locks. His eyes were tired but a a small flame flickered there, shining in the still darkness of the room. She stroked his scarred cheek, ignoring his subtle flinch, bringing her hand to linger on his jaw, feeling the heat moving under her fingertips.

"You look tired Zuko," her voice was a whisper, a kiss of heat on his lips, a lovely caress.

"More reports came in last night," he countered simply, because there really was no other explanation that that. "I have duties," he shrugged, though the truth was more heavy than that. And then there had been his dream…

"Are you sure you can meet with the Courts today?"

Ah, of course, he thought wirily. That's why she was here so early, dressed so officially. He had agreed to meet with the Courts today. His head dipped as a low grumble emanated from his throat.

"You forgot didn't you? I bet you just woke up. And from the look of it I would win that bet," she giggled, her eyes catching his with with a flicker of curiosity.

"No!" he snapped, then he a tiny small cracked his lips and he shook his head, messy hair sprawled across his face. "Well at least I remembered now," he sighed as Katara's hand dropped to his chest, tracing a soft line through his robes. She kissed him then, softly at first and then with a growing passion, a heat spreading through her body, a blistering, blooming heat that flourished through her heart, her bones, slipping through every part of her.

She sighed slowly, trailing a hand lovingly, if not tentatively, down his scar. He touched his hand against hers, looking into her eyes with a mixture of shame and discomfort. He pulled her hand down, settling it in between both of his.

"I like it, you know," she whispered, her words so faint Zuko wondered if perhaps he had imagined them. But no he could see in her glistening eyes that she had said it, that she meant it. His stomach clenched, his heart suffocated by the gravity of what she had said. One of his greatest weaknesses was that scar. Not only was it a hideous blemish, but a constant reminder of his father's hatred, of his own shame. An eternal symbol of his past that he would never escape.

"It reminds me of how much you've been through," he turned his head away, his eyes beginning to sting. "And of how strong you are. You overcame it all to become a great man, a great leader for you nation." Her hand caught his face, her eyes boring into his with a a calm truth that soothed Zuko's soul.

He wanted to say something, to convey to her everything that he felt for her, everything he had always felt for her. How the sight of her made his heart beam, how her laughter, her voice, made his mind whirl and her touch made his body melt, his vein flood with the most beautiful, passionate fire he had ever felt. How her words just now had pierced him, touched his heart in a way he had never known anybody else could. At least….not since his mother had left…..and still this was different. More than a motherly love. It was…..

As if sensing his hesitation Katara turned her eyes from him and sighed, setting her head against his chest.

"Come on. If you plan on meeting with nobility you're going to have to get dressed. Unless," a playful smile graced her lips, a flicker in her eye. "You want to go dressed like that." He gave her a reproachful look that she vanquished with a giggle before dragging him down the hallway and off to his rooms.

An hour or so later Zuko had slipped into his uniform, the red robes flustering as he marched through the courtyard to the room where the Courts met. He strode through the halls leading to the room, Katara at his side and Iroh not far behind. They reached the doors, two guards swinging them open with a rush of wind as the trio sauntered into the room.

The Court stood, all the members immediately silenced by their Fire Lord's presence. Zuko walked slowly towards the front of the room where his honorary seat was positioned just above his row of advisors, the perfect spot to lookout on the proceedings. He walked with power, a commanding leadership sliding off of him like slips of mist. Katara's heart fluttered with pride as she saw the loyalty, the respect his people payed him.

Katara and Iroh took their places in the front row, the assigned place for an official embassy. Iroh could sit wherever he chose, but Katara was thankful to have him seated with her. His kindness and wisdom could prove to be the strength she needed.

Zuko continued on, mounting the stairs to take his place. When he was seated a sturdy, tall man rose from his place. He was stoic, stern, and his uniform was that of a soldier, not a regular civilian. His adornments told Katara that he was not any ordinary soldier though, but a Commanding Officer.

The man spoke in a deep, strong tone and Katara realized he must be the Fire Lord's Military Chief. Head of the Royal Forces, second only to the Fire Lord himself and an esteemed member of the Fire Lord's Council.

"The Fire Lord and his Council have been requested to present themselves for discussion with the Courts today. He is here, so may I ask what in particular you wish to address?"

At tall slender man with a thin, cool voice stood from a few rows behind Katara. He bowed and she saw that he was dressed in fine Fire Nation clothes. A noble then, Katara noted.

His voice pierced the air as he called, "The Court wishes to speak to the Fire Lord on matters pertaining to the removal of our colonies from the newly…..repossessed Earth Kingdom. It has come to my attention that many of the colonies have been attacked by Earth Kingdom rebels even when they presented no harm no ill will."

Katara watched Zuko's face steadily, noticing how his eyes narrowed to splits, a sharp edge glinting like a knife in his voice as he answered, "I can understand the Courts concern for the well-being of our fellow citizens. However," his eyes held the tall man's steadily, "those are just rumors. I have been in constant contact with my captains and generals on the Eastern Quadrant. They assure me that while little scuffles will ultimately be unavoidable, due to the nature of our exodus and the strife that comes with rebuilding the Earth Kingdoms, they are of no real concern."

Zuko's advisors nodded, the Military Chief vigorously as he added, "The territories that remain under Fire Nation rule after the treaty are in the process of being secured. And while the removal of the colonies is slow work, it is progressing as planned. Any troubles we have are being dealt with diplomatically, at no cost to our citizens."

Some of the members of the Court nodded, small noises of assent skipping through the room. The man that had originally spoken didn't look so convinced. His mouth slid into a fine, hard line as he spoke again, this time an unmistakable ice in his voice.

"Of course Your Majesty. But I would hate to think that if we stand by and do nothing, that we would be leaving our colonies up to the will of peasants with weapons."

Katara saw Zuko's jaw set, his hand spreading steadily across the table as he responded.

"But Lord Lyao, as I have already said we are not 'doing nothing'. We have in fact taken an ample amount of time to address the situation, to propose an effective and peaceful way to way to mitigate violence for our people and those of the Earth Kingdom. Do not question me when I say that my citizens are protected with the necessary forces. We have just ended a terrible war and I am not in a hurry to ignite a new one." The Fire Lord stood then, leaning forward on his hands a challenge in his words and his stance.

Lord Lyao's eyes narrowed carefully this time, his eyes locked with Zuko's as a small curve slithered onto his thin face.

"Of course not Your Majesty. I just wonder….at what cost did we end the war? Yes we saved ourselves bloodshed, but now it seems almost as if the Earth Kingdom sees us as a caged beast, bound and unable to fight back. Would you bind us with your allegiances? Putting your friendship with the Avatar above your duty to your people? Letting citizens who have lived for years in our colonies lose their homes and be bullied by savages? Is that what peace has cost us Fire Lord?"

The tension in the room was hot, as though the words between the two men were on fire, laying a suffocating , terrible steam across the room. Katara felt Iroh shift uneasily next to her, saw the colors of concern painting the elders face. Everything was still, not even breath seemed to make a sound. All eyes were on the Fire Lord.

Zuko's eyes flooded with anger, a raging tide of flames flitting dangerously in his molten eyes. His hands gripped the edge of his table, the iron creaking from the pressure, steam whispering off of them like iron in cool water. His words, where before they had been stern but kind enough were now like flames from the mouth of a great dragon. Dangerous and uncontrollable.

"How dare you?" Zuko's hiss carried through the room, slicing through the silence like a gong. "I will always put my people first. Always. Yes, to do what's best for my people, sometimes I must compromise with the wills of others. But my duty and loyalty will always be to the people of the Fire Nation. For you to accuse me of anything but….is a great insult Lord Lyao." Zuko's mind had gone red with anger, his body seething with rage and lust for revenge. But through the mask of fury, a thought slipped into his mind, a simple consideration that squelched his anger within seconds.

What would my father do? Take revenge for such an insult with pain or torture? Zuko took a deep shaking breath, letting his body release the tension fastening his muscles. He glanced out into the crowd and his eyes touched on first Iroh, then Katara.

"I hope that in the future you will not say such treacherous, dishonest, and rude comments. Especially when the comments have no foundation." He saw the color crawl from Lyao's face, his eyes growing wide and bright with fear. He turned to the Court then, his eyes stern but the blind rage had seeped out of them.

"Now if all concerns have been addressed, I believe this meeting is concluded." The men and women of the Court got to their feet, all exiting after passing Zuko, honoring him with the proper bows before venturing on out the doors to continue their day.

The Council exited last, each pausing to speak a few words to Zuko before bowing and continuing on. Finally the great hall only contained Zuko, Katara and Iroh. The enormous walls doubled in size as the emptiness settled into the room. Katara gazed at the fine tapestries, the Royal Emblem displayed across all of them. In the front of the room, behind the Fire Lord's seat was a great dragon statue, heavy black stone work depicting the majestic beast billowing huge flames of ebony across the still walls.

Zuko stepped down from the Council seats, footsteps heavy on the stone floors. His robes swept around him, looking like a trail of fire dispersing from his feet. He looked so powerful, so exemplary that Katara couldn't help but marvel that this man had stemmed from the boy that had chased her almost a year and a half ago.

Zuko's mind soon, exhaustion sinking in. He put his hands on one of the long tables for the Court members to take notes on. His body moved with a thick, hard breath.

"Nephew." A gentle yet firm hand settled on Zuko's back. Zuko shifted his gaze up over his shoulder, seeing his Uncle standing by his side. His eyes were warm, a pride and happiness glistening in their depths.

"You handled that well. Lord Lyao has always been….a troublesome man. But you showed wisdom by not acting of impulse. And mercy."

"I just want to do what's best for my people. I owe them everything and yet…am I betraying them?"

"Never!" Katara stepped forward now, leaning close to Zuko, her hand settling on his. "What you said just now….and before in the meeting, Zuko there is no doubt of you love and allegiance to your people. That Lord….well he was dumb!" Katara's nose wrinkled in disgust, producing a snort from Iroh and a small smile played on Zuko's lips, in spite of himself.

"You showed wisdom Fire Lord Zuko. By attending to the needs or a rebelling world, and striving to keep peace between the nations you ensure the peace and safety of your own people. And believe me, the logic does not go unnoticed. Many of your Council and the Court see the true wisdom in peace and recognize what you do to secure it," Iroh added with finality.

Zuko nodded, his thoughts soothed for the moment, though he could feel the prickle of the man's words in the back of his mind.

I just wonder….at what cost did we end the war?

"Come, we shouldn't linger here. Would you two care to join me for tea?"

"Of course," Katara answered, smiling at Iroh.

"Yes Uncle," Zuko agreed wearily before adding, "But first I think I'll change." He cast a glance down at his elaborate robes and felt the emblem in his ponytail.

"Very well, I trust you two can meet me in the dining hall in half an hour?" The two nodded in return before Iroh spun and waddled out of the hall, letting the doors clatter in his wake.

A few minutes later Zuko heard a knock on his chamber door. Unlike his office, he kept his personal bedroom locked. He paused momentarily to slide the door open slightly, and seeing who it was he hauled the door open with a shove.

Katara.

"Are you ready yet?" she asked, an impatience sliding into her tone. She was wearing a fitting red dress, one that Zuko had provided for her. She had brought very little clothing with her from Republic City and as a gracious host it was his duty to keep her comfortable. Or so he had told his staff. And now, he couldn't help but thinking he was glad he had. The dress looked ravishing on her, making her skin look pure and unblemished, making her eyes shine like sapphires in a red sea.

He lifted his shirt off, baring his pale skin to the warm room. His muscles moved and contracted under his skin, highlighted by the flickering flames in the room. He turned to face her.

"Not yet." He stepped toward her, shutting the iron doors behind her. Cherry blossoms wafted into his nose as she closed the remaining distance between them. She wound her arms around his neck, settling her head on his chest. It was warm, as if a blazing fire dwelled in his body.

"Did I do the right thing?" he asked, voice wavering ever so slightly. He looked into her face, moving in the shadows of the room. She was beautiful, oh so beautiful. Yet her eyes were ripe with concern, a deep care allowing her heart to be injured by whatever hurt him.

"Yes," she spoke simply, breathlessly. Her heart pounded against her chest, her breath quickening against the heat of his body. She looked into his eyes, his blazing, golden eyes, willing him to know the truth, to see what she saw.

"You are the best leader this Nation could have hoped for. Never doubt that. Promise me, never doubt yourself." He looked away then but she knew him better than that. She touched his face gently, pulling it back to hers. She brought her mouth close to his, barely any space in between. She held his eyes with hers, locked them with hers in an unbreakable link.

"Promise me." Her words were a kiss, a brush of sweet heat on his. Her eyes were stern, full of care and it was enough to make the Fire Lord's heart constrict, like a writhing animal caught in a trap. There was only one answer she could accept, and only one answer he would give her.

"I promise." He kissed her then, pressing his lips to hers, sliding his tongue inside her mouth. She pushed into him, exploring his bare chest with ravishing hands. Her heart flooded with warmth, an powerful motivation sliding through her, blooming deep within her stomach. She felt the rhythmic thud of his heart, his stead pulse like a river through his veins.

She wrapped her legs around him, feeling him moan with pleasure against her mouth. He carried her to the bed, setting her atop the mass of blankets and furnishings. Her hair sprawled out around her as he settled on top of her, trailing kisses down her neck. His wet, hot kiss lingered, growing more and more passionate as he made his way down her shoulder, her collarbone he felt her body arch with desire. She grabbed tufts of his hair, tousling his ponytail in her grips.

He returned to her lips then, aggravating her ever so slightly. His chest hummed against hers as he slid a hand up and along her thigh, brushing the dress aside. His hands sent shivers through her, though they were burning. She bit his lip, felt him groan with pleasure as she felt down his waist, running hands a log his chiseled stomach until she reached the lines of his pants.

Something primal, native had corroded through Katara's reasoning and she began to untie his trousers, fingers flurrying as his kisses grew heavier, fiercer. Her heart stuttered with her desire, her instincts becoming her only guiding factor. Her mind was on only him, his skin, his hair, the smell of cinnamon and smoking wood and heat and sweat. The feel of his lips on hers, the burning in her stomach. The feel of his body lying on hers, his heart a thundering chorus of their shared desire.

He took her hands then, guiding them away from his pants. She looked up at him, surprise scrawled across her face. He returned her surprise with a guarded mask, an uncompromising wall behind which all she could see was his mutual desire, painting his eyes thick and black, and whatever was stopping him, pulling him away from his passion.

His face flickered in the blazing candle light, his strong features so handsome, so alluring. And for her, so kind and caring.

"We agreed to meet Uncle, remember?" His voice was thick, a husky whisper. He hated himself for stopping it but….

"Oh! Right," she agreed, though she couldn't hide the slivers of confusion slipping across her features. And then she laughed, a silvery, whimsical noise that made his smile crookedly, turning to her with questioning eyes.

"Well I don't know if you want to go to tea looking like that," she giggled. Zuko, momentarily confused, raised an eyebrow, turning to glance in a mirror. His smile widened to a grin as he saw himself refracted in the dancing shadows of the chambers.

Disheveled pants, tousled hair mussed against his forehead. Lipstick smeared across his face, even smudges on his chest.

He chuckled, making Katara grin before kissing her once, quickly on the lips and slipping away to find a tunic.

"This is your fault," he grumbled.

A/N:

Hey guys, thanks for reading! Hope you liked it, and of course more to come! I absolutely adore reviews because I enjoy it when you tell me what you think or give me critiques! So if you can spare a moment that would be forever appreciated.

Thanks again for reading loves! 3