Chapter Ten- Dangerous Games
"Zuko, have you seen Katara?" Aang asked the Firelord as they crossed paths in the hallway. Zuko was a bit taken aback; it was the first time the monk had spoken to him since his arrival.
In all honesty he had just bid Katara a very lustful farewell not ten minutes before and sent her on her way. She had left in a daze, mumbling about a letter she needed to send to her father.
"Not since last night," Zuko added a convincing frown. "Why, is something the matter?"
"No, I just needed to speak with her," Aang shifted uncomfortably as Zuko examined the other man. Aang had changed tremendously since he last saw him, had it truly been nearly six years? The Avatar that stood before him now was certainly no longer a boy, but a grown man. Zuko grimaced; it seemed that Aang was nearly the same height as him as well.
Aang cleared his throat as Zuko stared. Startling the older man and causing him to lean back.
"I'm glad you're feeling better," Aang said to break the silence. Zuko wasn't sure it was a completely true statement.
He then remembered Katara's words the night before. "I'm still healing; it could be another month, maybe two, before I'll be back to my old self again. Thank Agni Katara was here to help me."
Aang nodded at his statement, but remained silent.
"And thank you for helping my uncle in these past few months; I know how busy you are with your own responsibilities—"
"It wasn't a problem," Aang cut him off immediately. Zuko bit his tongue, fighting the urge to growl, his rudeness had been unnecessary. "I have some things I need to take care of, if you see Katara, can you tell her I'm looking for her?"
"Of course," he said, adding a bow that would have been thought too formal in their friendship; that was no longer the case.
They parted ways and Zuko did not look back, though he was certain he felt a pair of grey eyes drilling a whole in the back of his head.
Zuko thought about seeking Katara out again that morning, going to her room and challenging her to another bought of lovemaking, but decided against it. He was tired from the night before, part of what he told Aang was true; he was not back to his old self quite yet. Two months before he was sure he could make love to Katara for a week straight without tiring, his sheer desire pushing him forward long after exhaustion set in. There was something inside of her that gave him strength as well. Her inner fire, that was the only way to describe it, the way her soul shined out as he caressed her, as he kissed her and she returned it with the same fervor. He recognized it almost immediately, the feeling found when someone wanted to be with him as much as he wanted that person. Katara needed him in a physical sense and it made him feel whole.
Zuko noticed he had reached his office; his thoughts had carried him through the hallways much swifter than he realized. With his hand on the door he used all the restraint he had left, not to go in search of a certain Waterbender. Reluctantly he entered his office to work and not succumb to temptation.
But damned if that very temptation wasn't sitting at his desk on the other side of the room, Zuko sighed.
Katara's head raised, he could see the brush in her hand and a piece of parchment before her, and he assumed it was the letter she had said she was going to write.
"Good morning Firelord Zuko," she said, offering a slight wink as he closed the door, a slight frown upon his face. Her smile fell a bit. "I'm sorry to invade your space," she scribbled with the brush quickly and blew the paper dry.
Zuko walked up to her side and looked down at her. "This is my private office; do you know what that means?"
Katara leaned her head back, slightly irritated at his words. "I said I was sorry, I asked Iroh and he said it was fine to come here," she tried to stand from his chair, but Zuko was faster and leaned over her, placing a hand on both arms of the chair, trapping her.
"That means," he continued, inching closer to her face, slowly inhaling her watery scent. "No one would dare interrupt us."
"Oh," Katara said quietly, all anger draining her voice. "Really?"
"It's an old law my grandfather Azulon instated," his lips brushed hers. "I really didn't understand it until this very moment."
"So I suppose you wish to have me, right here on your desk?" she asked, her eyes drifting closed as she continued to kiss him lightly. "On top of your papers…" she took a sharp intake of breath. "—completely bare," she finished huskily.
Zuko hissed as he assaulted her lips, pulling her up by her waist and placing her on his desk, his hands moving deftly to the hem of her dress.
"Yes," he told her as he sucked her lip then trailed kisses down her neck to her shoulders, pushing her robes aside. "And on the floor and against the walls…" his words faded into moans filled with wanting. "I'm not going to get any work done today."
Katara gently pushed at his shoulders then and Zuko took a step back, biting his lip as she turned him and pushed him against the desk, sitting him down as she took a stance between his legs. Her hands moved up to his clothes. Slowly she untied the cloak about his shoulders, and then slid the robes beneath that from his shoulder. The thin grey shirt under that came over his head and she met by his puzzled smile.
"I believe, Firelord, that I will take you right here," Katara whispered as if someone could hear them. "Bare, on top of your desk," she kissed him then, leaning away when he sought to deepen the embrace.
"And then against the wall?" his breath caught as her hand ran down his naked torso.
"Yes, Zuko," she told him, her eyes twinkled mysteriously. "But you forgot the floor as well."
She found his lips as her hand dipped into his waist band, seeking the growing hardness beneath the fabric of his pants. He growled as she pushed the pants from his waist, leaving his lips as she bent down and pulled them from his legs. The Firelord stood before her then; she smiled, as he was clad only in his pointy boots. She stayed on her knees, placing lingering kisses on his stomach, her hands snaking behind his hips and gripped his rear roughly.
"Careful Katara," Zuko told her, his need clear in his voice.
She only smirked in his face, before she leaned down and placed a feather light kiss upon his erection. He hissed, placing a fist in front of his mouth, attempting to stifle his moans of pleasure. He bit his knuckle as she enveloped him fully in her mouth, bobbing up and down, her tongue massaging him in ways he did not know were possible.
Zuko's hands moved steadily to her loose hair, his mind reeling in the ardent sensations. Katara moaned softly as he stroked her scalp. Her right hand slowly crept around and cupped his sac, finding the same spot she had the night before and adding the slightest amount of pressure.
He came then, collapsing back against the desk, he still held her head in his hands as Katara swallowed his seed, licking him clean before she did the same for her lips. Her eyes were still smoldering. He pulled her face up to him and kissed her lazily, so full of pleasure in that moment.
"Shall we move to the wall?" she asked huskily and Zuko smirked. He grabbed her arms and led her directly to the wall behind the desk. Just as he bent to claim her mouth a sharp knock came to the door.
"Katara?" a muffled voice called. Her head snapped to attention, recognizing the deep voice of her husband. "I know you're in there, I just need to talk."
Katara looked forward to Zuko, whose expression had turned to one of utter annoyance. Slowly the handle of the door turned and she did the only thing she could think of, she shoved Zuko under the desk and tossed his clothes under before seating herself in the chair once more.
Aang walked across the room a moment later as Katara drew slowly with the brush.
"Good morning Aang," she said calmly. For some reason that morning he looked as arrogant as ever, his back was straighter and his head held higher, he looked…satisfied. That was the only way to describe it. She recognized the reason immediately, he was smug.
He must have slept with Coco, she thought.
"I came to talk to you about our departure at the end of the week," Aang said slowly and Katara tried to concentrate on his words, she really did. But it was difficult, as a callused hand drifted up her leg and settled on her thigh, gently stroking. She reached a hand down and swatted him away, trying not to giggle. She met her husband's eyes and he gave her an odd glance, and then continued. "I think you should stay here, until I finish in Ba Sing Se, then I'll return and take you back to your tribe."
"But Zuko is practically healed, I thought you would want me to go with you," she said.
"Still, you said he wasn't completely well, that he is still susceptible to sickness," Aang reasoned. "Besides, I think it would be best if you didn't travel in such close quarters with Coco."
Katara snapped to attention at that. It was starting; he was washing his hands of her. She sat the calligraphy brush down and set her head in her hands. It was what she wanted, right? To stay with Zuko a while longer, but for some reason she had wanted to make the decision, not Aang. It was just his further rejection of her. Bit by bit her guilt about the whole situation was turning to ire, her husband wasn't even trying anymore.
"I see," she seethed.
Aang turned, placing his hands on his head in an exasperated movement. He started to rant, his reasoning echoing across the room as he strode closer to the door.
Zuko, however, seemed to be overjoyed, hiking up her skirt and splaying sloppy kisses on her legs. Again she swatted him away, very much annoyed, but he wasn't to be put off and gently pulled down her undergarment, then kissed her between her legs. Katara bit back a groan as he became more ardent, drawing her forward so that she was sitting on the edge of the chair.
"Stop," she growled lowly, she heard the lowest of chuckles and the firebender ignored her and continued on his current path. "Ugh…" she moaned and Aang turned walking up to her once more, fire in his eyes.
"Are you even listening to me?"
"Were you speaking? I'm sorry; I thought I felt a breeze," she said cattily. Katara had just about enough of his high and mighty tone, his lecturing, when he was the one openly cheating on her. At least I have the decency to have my affair in private, Katara thought darkly. Everyone in the Firenation knew of her husband's involvement with his concubine.
Aang turned to leave then, Katara wasn't finished having her say, and she was so tired of his constant running away. Drawing as much strength as she could she kneed Zuko in the side of his face, pulled her garments back in place and rushed after husband, catching his tall form as he reached the door.
"Don't run away from this," she said calmly. Aang looked down at her then, the passion on her face and then reached up to stroke her. He stopped short and gave her a sad frown.
"I'm not the one who is running Katara," he said, placing his hand on the door knob instead and exiting. "I'm just tired of trying to catch up with you."
Katara's mouth dropped as he left her without another word. She walked dumbly back to the desk and pulled Zuko out. He had managed to get his pants back on and was about to pull his shirt over his head. He rubbed the side of his head as he looked at her.
"That really hurt," he told her. Katara punched him in the arm.
"And that wasn't funny," she retorted, somewhat coldly. Zuko's face fell.
"Sorry," he said, pulling her into a hug, she did not fight that, and tucked her face into his chest, fighting tears. "I'm happy you're staying a little longer."
"I know," she muttered into his shirt. She sighed heavily as he stroked her back.
"Katara," he said softly. She leaned back and looked into his golden eyes, a soft smile on his lips. "I…"
No words followed, like he was scared to say them. Katara pressed her index finger over his mouth to silence him. Sometimes things were easier when fewer words were spoken.
Inching up on her tip toes, she pressed a chaste kiss on his lips and then grabbed the letter she had been writing from the desk. "I need to go mail this out," he grabbed her hand then and kissed it tenderly. "I see you this evening."
"Alright," he told her kindly, settling in his chair.
He watched her lithe form walk gracefully across the room. As the door closed he swore to himself, he knew she had been shaking her rear slightly more than what was necessary.
/
Mongke had them setting around the designs of the Firenation palace, again, reviewing the coup for what seemed like the hundredth time. Vachir held his breath as the Colonel pointed to the southern entrance. They would split in two factions, the first led by Mongke; they would storm the tower and liberate Ozai. The second would be led by Kahchi and Azula; the princess had insisted she be the one to capture her brother.
The day before she had told Mongke that Vachir would be at her side as well, silently the archer had been pleased, eager to earn the trust of the young woman. Yes, they had shared a bed since her arrival at the encampment, but no one other then the two lovers knew of that fact.
Vachir let his mind wander as Mongke traced the paths they were all very familiar with. Azula was something to marvel at. She was cold and calculating, she thought through every action in her life. But when he held her in his arms, just as she was about to release, she would shed her tough façade and a brilliant look of ecstasy would shine in her golden eyes. She would kiss him then, or trace his tattoo that lined his eyes. A moment later her thoughtful features would return and her smile would disappear. However, the archer knew she shared that side with absolutely no one else.
Vachir also knew her trust once lost, was lost for good. So he had sworn his loyalty when he had taken her innocence in the river, and reaffirmed his vow every time she was in his arms.
It seemed his lustful thoughts had brought Azula into their tent. She cleared her throat as the flap fell back into place and Mongke turned and bowed in her direction.
"You're not going over this plan again, are you Colonel?" she asked him. Vachir could have sworn she wore a slight smirk on her lips; she met his gaze and raised a sharp eyebrow before continuing. "Any man that doesn't have the plan memorized by now is a fool."
"I just want us to be prepared," the Colonel sighed. His dislike for Azula was not well masked.
"Let's take a vote," she looked at the older soldiers around her. "If you have this plan memorized and have something more productive to do with your time, please raise your hand."
Slowly the hands raised around the circle, Vachir being one of the first. That caused Azula to smirk once more. Mongke stared daggers at the men, for some reason he focused on Vachir, that caused the archer to wrinkle his brow.
"Very good," Azula breathed an annoyed sigh. "Looks like the meetings adjourned, good day gentlemen."
The soldiers got up slowly, most of them heading to the lunch tent, quite enthusiastically. Vachir passed the princess a smirk as he walked by her. Mongke had turned from the mouth of the tent, catching sight of the princess' hand on his arm. Narrowing his eyes he left, he stared daggers at the two remaining in the tent.
"You timing is impeccable," he said, giving her a nod. The young woman barely came to his shoulders, but she had the ability to make him feel so much smaller.
"I should admit my motives are two-sided," she said as she traced a finger down his chest, heating it slightly. "I had hoped you would make good on your promise to teach me how to handle your bow."
Vachir inhaled as her fingers continued to follow his lines, around his shoulder as her hand settled over the base of his bow.
"Of course Princess," he said, meeting her golden gaze.
Not much later, as he pressed her roughly against a tree deep in the woods, he scolded himself for his recklessness. He didn't feel bad enough to stop, but they were not too far from the camp, and her cries had been especially loud as she came. Azula did not seemed concerned as she ran her hands over his bare shoulders and kissed his jugular, the warmth in her eyes for the moment as she clutched around him. He leaned forward and moaned loudly into the pale woman's neck, sucking her flesh lightly as he thrust one last time.
Vachir was not sure how long the involvement between the two of them would last, but the archer knew in the thirty years he had spent in that world, never before had he felt such comfort as he had found in the pale girl before him.
A fierce desire to prove himself came over him suddenly and he laid Azula down on the forest floor, and he continued to ravage her neck until she bore several love bites. The Princess reached up and stroked his scalp slowly, running her hand through his now loose hair.
"Why do you think my father asked you to fetch me?" she asked him yet again, and he ceased in his attentions and leaned back to look at her.
"I'm not sure," he said calmly.
"It's just that he has yet to try to contact me, I expected a summons, or at least a note telling me of his plans," she hugged his middle, and the contact caused the man to shudder, she was becoming more affectionate by the day. "Did you tell him that I've returned?"
"I spoke to him yesterday," Vachir laid next to her, his leg still draped across her flesh. "He was very pleased that you were so involved. Perhaps he is just wary of causing more suspicion that necessary. Your brother has healed more rapidly than we expected, and the healer has such a close watch over the kitchens, we can't just slip the poison in his food any longer."
"The Waterbender?" Azula asked through her teeth.
"Yes, they call her Master Katara," Vachir said. "She is the wife of the Avatar now. So she will be leaving at the end of the week as well."
"That's a shame," Azula said, sparking a blue flame in hand then extinguishing it. "We certainly have some unfinished business."
They were both silent a moment. After a minute or so, Vachir stood and pulled her to her feet as they both began to sort through their clothing, helping one another straighten their armor.
"Will you do something for me Vachir?" Azula broke the silence as they walked back into camp, no one the wiser to their tryst.
"Anything Princess."
"I want to see my father before the coup is carried out," she said it calmly, revealing no emotion, but he knew she was worried.
"I believe that can be arranged," he told her quietly; he was rewarded by a small smile. "I'll fetch you when I head out this evening."
Azula nodded then, her smile gone from her mouth, though still resting in her eyes. "Excellent. I'll see you then Soldier."
Without a word, she left him there and headed into her small tent. He watched her tent for an unknown time, lost in thought until a rough hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"She's not as crazy as we all thought," Mongke commented. Vachir turned and gave a brisk nod to the older man. "And that makes her twice as dangerous."
"Perhaps," the archer replied.
"Don't be an idiot," the Colonel said then, leaving all subtle implications behind. "It would be wise to stop your involvement with the girl now, before the Firelord discovers. He will not be pleased."
"I wasn't aware that you were privy to all of the Firelord's thoughts, Colonel," Vachir said boldly. "Nothing is going on between the Princess and me."
Mongke growled. "I'm just looking out for you, when you're caught, and you will be, I will not be there to help you."
"Your concern is not necessary, Colonel," Vachir said and bowed to the older man. "But it is appreciated."
The archer walked away, heading towards the meal tent. His sensitive ears heard Mongke's reply. It sounded something akin to "damn fool."
/
Katara was being very naughty. It took her nearly ten minutes to make the ultimate decision, but the thought of making both Zuko and Aang uncomfortable the entire evening was just too delicious to pass up.
She laughed to herself as she mixed the dried arugula into the first course, a vegetable based soup She knew the aphrodisiac would be in full effect by the time the main course arrived. Yes, it would leave the rest of the dinner guests horny as well, but they would be fine. After all, Iroh had Orchid to release his frustrations on, and Katara didn't care that she would be making the Fire Lady suffer in the least, and it wasn't as though she would suffer for long. According to the gossip in the kitchens Mai disappeared to the western portion of the palace nearly every evening. Katara was very tempted to follow her, but for some reason she just didn't care. Whoever it was that held Mai's attention was keeping her from Zuko, which kept his bed open for Katara. A small cough came to her ear and Katara turned to face the servant girl. Ryra was her name and she was particularly helpful. Katara beamed in her direction.
"The table is set up as you requested, Master Katara," she squeaked.
"Thank you Ryra," Katara turned and stirred the soup once more with her bending before she pulled it completely from the pot and set it in the six bowls she had set out.
"Master Katara?" the girl asked as Katara removed the main course from the oven, a large lobster-crab.
"Ryra, please call me Katara."
"Katara," the girl blushed then. "Why is it that you chose such a small table for the meal?"
The water bending master smiled sweetly. "To encourage conversation at the dinner table. With the Firelord's regular table, we are all so spread apart we can hardly hear one another, let alone carry on a conversation. I thought it would be a nice change."
Ryra nodded then and Katara motioned for the servants to enter and grab the dishes behind her.
As the door to the dining room opened, Katara made her way to the table; surprisingly taking a seat on Zuko's left across from her husband. To Katara's left sat Orchid, and next to her, across from Zuko sat his wife. Mai was already staring daggers in Katara's direction. Obviously she hadn't wanted to sit next to her husband, but she didn't want Katara sitting there either.
Iroh sat next to Aang, blissfully unaware of any of the tension in the room. He was animatedly recounting a pai sho game he and Orchid had played earlier in the day to Mai, who looked as though she wanted to stab the old General with her chopstick.
Zuko gave her a warm smile as the soup was placed before them all, it quickly turned into a heated look and Katara smiled back, motioning for Zuko to start so they all could eat.
"Of course," he said, picking up his spoon. "Please everyone, eat."
Katara felt a tinge of guilt as everyone took a large spoonful of the soup and swallowed it down. She hadn't planned on taking the arugula as well, but it would seem suspicious that she wasn't eating, so she breathed deeply and took a spoonful.
"This is delicious nephew," Iroh called across the short distance.
"Thank Katara," he motioned to his side, speaking warmly. "She prepared our entire meal this evening."
"Really!" Iroh spoke up and Orchid burst into a light applause. "Wonderful, Master Katara."
"Thank you," Katara said, already feeling a warm tingling in her limbs. "It was nothing, cooking is one of my many joys."
"And talents," Zuko murmured, taking another mouthful. That time he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
"And talents," Iroh echoed in good spirit. Orchid giggled at the volume of her beau's voice.
Everyone simultaneously wiggled in their seats and Katara had to stifle her laughter. Dinner wasn't going to last much longer by the looks on everyone's faces. Mai, was pinching the bridge of her nose and scowling, Iroh was making bedroom eyes to his girlfriend, and Aang stared down his bowl, clearly lost in thought. Only Zuko was as aware as Katara of the other's odd behavior. He raised his good eyebrow in her direction and slowly moved his leg so that their knees touched.
Katara was not having a repeat of earlier that day. Slowly she removed her slipper and her right foot in his lap and pushing him away, shaking her head slightly. Instead, Zuko smirked and moved his other hand to his lap and slowly massaged her instep.
With his remaining hand he motioned for the main course. Applause rang out as the lobster-crab was placed in the center of the table and the servants quickly divided it between the dinner guests. Aang stood at that point, reminding them kindly that he didn't eat meat, and that he had a few matters to attend to before bed.
"Goodnight," Iroh and Orchid chorused, smiling wistfully as the handsome Avatar left the room. Katara felt a certain pang as well. Her husband was very handsome, and built, and flexible. She thought all those things as Zuko massaged her foot under the table. He pinched her lightly as he had seen her gaze follow the younger man out the door.
"Sorry," she slurred slightly and took another sip of her wine. Perhaps that wasn't the best idea to combine the arugula and the wine, she felt drunk and they had just started dinner.
She had abandoned her attempts at eating and concentrated on not moaning as Zuko's warm hand drifted up her calf. Katara silently thanked Tui he was too far away to reach any more of her flesh. Slowly she dug her heal into his crotch, his eyes widened in surprise as did Katara's. The Firelord was obviously ready for more intimate attention. She pulled her foot back slightly before running her toes along his length. She knew the friction of his clothing, coupled with her firm caresses were driving him mad.
Let's see how he likes it, Katara thought mischievously.
Zuko groaned aloud, and it caused the others to look at him curiously.
"Zuko, are you all right?" Katara asked in mock concern.
Iroh had stood and came to his nephew's side. Katara removed her foot from his lap and leaned forward as well placing a cold hand upon his brow. Only Mai seemed less than concerned.
"I think I need to go and lie down," he said through gritted teeth.
"Of course," Iroh said, raising his arms over his head he gave a very loud, very fake yawn. "I am feeling very tired as well. Perhaps we should retire," he looked at Orchid pointedly, who added her own improvised yawn.
Katara managed a frowned; no one had touched their main course.
"Katara," Zuko said then, barely hiding his desire. "I think I need a healing session before I go to sleep."
The Waterbender hid her smile. "Of course, Firelord," she pulled him up then, hunching him forward so that most of the evidence of his arousal was hidden.
The five of them walked to the door, Mai taking a sharp left, nearly a run from the dining hall, and headed to the western wing of the palace. Iroh and Orchid strolled towards the royal quarters while Zuko steered her in the opposite direction.
"Where are we going?" Katara asked him as they turned the corner and he picked her up from the floor and threw her over his shoulder, taking off in a brisk walk. He didn't set her down until they reached his office.
"That wall has your name written all over it," he told her as he kicked the door closed behind them.
Hours later, with clothes strewn all over the room and several pieces of furniture knocked a skew, the Firelord pulled Katara closer to him, kissing her heated flesh as they cuddled in the middle of the floor.
"Thanks for dinner," he said into her neck as she wriggled underneath his wandering hands. "It was great."
To his surprise Katara laughed aloud, smiling into his kiss.
"You're welcome."
/
/
A/N. Chapter Ten, I guess I can tell you all that the story is at the halfway mark. When I first started this it was going to be like seven chapters. Something's wrong with going from seven to twenty, but what can you do, hopefully you all will stick with me.
We got to see more of the archer and the princess in this chapter, I love Azula, I put her in all my stories, I should just go ahead and write a story centered around her to be done with it, but I think I would miss the Zutara too much. She deserves so much more than what she got in the show :(
I would apologize for all the smex in this chapter, but I think I warned you all in the first chapter that this story was going to be a smut fest, EVERYONE, even Iroh, gets sex in this story...lulz, what's the matter with me?
Thanks so much for reading and all your reviews, you all are great!