Chapter Ten
Word about Yue's new engagement swept throughout the palace and the entire tribe. Most people were approving of the marriage, thinking it as a way to bring more peace and stability into their lives, trusting that the marriage would keep them safe from the Fire Nation. Others, however, found this a treacherous arrangment. Yue was sheltered from their sneers of spite, thankfully, but she was aware of some of the varying opinions. She didn't care, of course.
She went looking for Zuko, bored out of her mind and feeling rather lonesome. She hadn't seen him all day, due to numerous fittings for her betrothal robes and headdressings. The wedding had been set for sunset at the Spirit Oasis, a customary place of matrimony in the tribe. It was seen as a temple, a place where the Spirits could look upon the joining of two families. Yue would become Zuko's wife the day she turned sixteen.
She walked into Zuko's room, finding it empty. She pouted a bit, sitting on the bed and glancing around the room… Where was her prince? After a few more minutes, Yue sighed and stood up, walking back into the hallway begrudgingly.
A servant appeared at her side, bowing deeply, "Your highness, Prince Zuko would like you to come and meet with him at your spare cabin."
Yue smiled, nodding at the servant and dashing off through the maze of halls to get outside. The cabin was brimming with light in the dim evening. She trotted through the layer of freshly fallen snow, opening the door and peering inside. Zuko was sitting by the fire, a small, laquered wood box sitting beside him. Yue lifted her heavy parka over her head, closing the door tightly and placing it onto the floor.
"Hi," Yue breathed, her cheeks flushed from her jog through the cold.
Zuko stood up and walked over to her, taking her hand, "Hi, Princess."
Zuko lead her down to the fireside, and sat. She did the same, folding her legs and looking at him curiously. Zuko gave her a small smile that was so mysterious, it made her heart throb.
"What did you want to see me about?" Yue asked, biting her lip.
"I uh… I made you something." Zuko stammered, reaching for the small box.
Yue's eyes widened and she smiled lovingly at the prince. He held the box out to her with both hands, his eyes encouraging Yue to open the box.
Yue took the box carefully, opening the ornate container, her eyes widening at the sight. A beautifully crafted betrothal necklace glinted up at her, but it was not in customary color. Instead of the traditional white and blue, her necklace had a flat golden emblem connected to a white, silk ribbon. The carvings on the emblem were an unmistakable blend of both the Water Tribe and Fire Nation symbols. She looked up at Zuko with affectionate, surprised eyes as she lifted the engagement present out of the box.
"Allow me," Zuko whispered, moving to sit behind Yue. He gathered her silken white hair and moved it aside, revealing her neck. Yue felt Zuko's fingers on her skin as he secured the necklace in place, kissing the back of her neck after he finished his work. Yue gasped shakily, melting back into him, his arms wrapping around her waist and his lips moved up and onto her jaw.
"I love it," Yue whispered, turning her face and touching his cheek, small tears of joy sparkling in her azure eyes, "Thank you, Zuko."
"You're welcome, Yue," Zuko replied, leaning in closer to her, his hands grasping hers tightly.
Yue leaned her head against his chest, listening to his slow and steady heart beat. She gazed up at him, a small smile gracing his lips. "I can't believe this is all happening…" The princess murmured, "It feels all to much like a dream."
Zuko kissed her forehead, his thumb lighting stroking the side of her face, "It does, doesn't it?"
"After we get married… will I get to visit the Fire Nation with you?" Yue asked.
"Probably," Zuko mused, "You'll have to meet my family."
Yue gulped. She had no interest in meeting Zuko's father at all, "Oh."
Zuko gave her a serious look, "I'll protect you from them, you know."
Spirits, can he read my mind? Yue thought. She nodded up at him, understandingly. She extended her neck a little bit, her lips gently touching his. Zuko bent down and returned this kiss, his hands clutching her small waist as hers went around his neck. Yue fervently began to kiss him, twisting around so her chest was flush against hist. His hands trailed a bit lower and rested on her hips as there tongues came into play. Desire consumed her, and a brash question came to mind. The princess pulled away slightly, breaking their kiss so she could speak.
"Zuko…?" Yue asked, her voice bordering timidity.
"Yes, Princess?" Zuko asked, his hands still firmly grasping her hips.
Yue inhaled shakily, "Are we going to have children?"
Zuko thought about himself as a father… Would he be good at it? "Only if you want too." He finalized.
Yue blushed, "I want to…" She nuzzled her face into his shoulder. "How many would you want?"
"Not too many, I suppose…" Zuko murmured, contently sighing at the feeling of her being so closely.
"I want two…" Yue yawned, her eyes closing, "A little boy and a little girl. A fire bender and a water bender…"
Zuko smiled to himself, liking the idea, "As you wish, Princess."
She opened her luminescent, sea-blue eyes, giggling, "You always say that."
He grinned, "It's true."
Yue kissed him again, and she slowly began to lean backwards, letting Zuko lie on top of her as they continued to explore one another's mouths. Zuko let his thumbs trace circular motions into Yue's hips and her hands went up, under his arms, and gripped his upper back. Zuko slightly bit her lip, causing her to moan involuntarily into his mouth. He smirked, his eyes opening to meet hers with a clouded, sly glint. The two crashed back into one another, any innocence or chastity the two had used before was now gone. His tongue danced with hers, and she felt as if she was floating. She couldn't imagine what her wedding night would be like with him.
The two sprung apart as the door opened, Arnook standing in the doorway, a disapproving gaze settling upon his daughter and future son-in-law. Yue and Zuko were now seemingly sitting on other side's of the cabin, cheeks flushed and hair mussed.
Yue stood up, smoothing her skirt, "Father…"
Zuko, flushed with sheer humiliation, stood also, bowing to the chief, "Chief Arnook…"
"Children," Arnook started, his eyes stern, his voice emphasizing the word children, as if to remind them not to be misbehaving, "We all need to discuss some things about the marriage, if you would please follow me."
Yue bit her lip, trying not to laugh as she glanced at Zuko, who shot her a withering look. She picked up her coat, yanking it over her head and following her father out of the cabin, Zuko in tow.
Chief Arnook was too far ahead of them to be in ear shot. Yue intertwined her hands with Zuko's, smirking a bit at him, "That was interesting."
"You mean completely terrifying…" Zuko whispered, his eyes crackling with a small trace of humor as he raised his eyebrows at the princess.
"Don't be so dramatic, Zuko," Yue giggled, elbowing him a bit. The prince blushed and tightened his grip on her hand.
"What do they need to talk with us about?" Zuko wondered aloud, his eyes on the Chief who was almost out of their line of vision.
Yue shrugged, "I don't know…"
They entered the throne room, which was empty except for Uncle Iroh. There was a table, seated for four, sitting in the middle of the spacious court. Iroh stood and bowed to the princess, sitting back down. Zuko and Yue filed into their chairs, sitting across from the older men.
"What is this about?" Yue asked, shifting her eyes from Arnook to Iroh. Her hand clasped Zuko's again, under the table.
Iroh gave her a reassuring smile, "Well, as you know, this will be the first time that a member of the Fire Nation's royal family will marry another from the Water Tribes' royal family… making this a quite unusual marriage."
Zuko and Yue glanced at one another, then back at the men, "And what does that mean?" Yue inquired.
Iroh sighed slowly, "Zuko, after I pass, I'd like for you to succeed me. I'd like for you to take the throne."
Zuko stared at his uncle, "Me…? Why not my father?"
Iroh shook his head, "Because, Prince Zuko, I don't trust him or Azula. You are the only one I trust in leaving the throne too."
Zuko pondered the matter at stake. "I will accept the throne, uncle. But… what does this have to do with our marriage?"
"Yue, you will be going to stay with Prince Zuko in the Fire Nation until you produce an heir to the Northern Water Tribe… once you marry Prince Zuko, you become a Fire Nation citizen." Arnook explained, watching Yue's expression.
She was silent for a moment, her eyes falling onto the glossy, wooden table. "Alright… I'll go with him." She said, not very confidently.
Iroh smiled at the two, "You've saved us a lot of trouble agreeing with these terms. I'm very happy for both of you, children. Good night," Iroh yawned, rising from the table, bowing and leaving the throne room. Zuko and Yue rose, the two of the slowly walking out.
"Are you okay with having to leave you home for me?" Zuko asked carefully, glancing at her.
She nodded, gazing up at him, "I'm sure. If I get to be with you, it will be worth it… Fire Lord Zuko," She giggled.
He smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, "Not yet…"
-about four days later-
Yue awoke in her bedroom, smiling. Today was not only her birthday, but also the day she would wed Zuko. Her heart flipped at the thought, and she closed her eyes in overwhelming glee. She sat up at the sound of people entering her room, and she knew what a long morning it would be.
She was nearly hauled out of bed, stripped naked, and plopped into an awaiting, wooden tub of lukewarm water. She shivered as the cold palace air met with the barely-warm, sudsy bath. The head hairdresser began scrubbing some oily, perfumed liquid into her wet hair. The other maids reached for her hands and began filing away at her nails, painting them over with some kind of glaze. Her face was painted with a thick, grayish mud, and she felt her legs beging coated with something sticky.
Yue looked down just in time to see the maids covering her calves with sheets of paper. She yelped and nearly fell out of the basin as the ladies yanked the papers away, uprooting any sort of hair she had on her calves. The princess's head was yanked back as the hairdresser began violently coming her damp hair. Yue's face felt tight under the muddy mask, and her legs were stinging as the women lathered her calves with sweet smelling lotion.
She nearly laughed with relief as they all stopped at once and proceeded to clean up the mess of bottles, waxes, and other beauty supplies. The hairdresser wrapped Yue's hair in a thick cloth and followed the other maids down to the laundry room, where her wedding garb was awaiting.
Somma entered the room, a bit guiltily. Yue hadn't seen her friend in a while, and she didn't exactly know how to feel about this unplanned visit. The princess forced a smile, which was a somewhat difficult, do to the stiffening mud caked on her face. Somma bowed politely and sat on a stool beside the tub. Somma looked down at feet, playing with one of her braids.
"I… I'm really happy for you, Yue." Somma confessed, smiling down at her.
Yue knit her brows slightly, "You are?"
Somma nodded, "I am."
"I thought you didn't approve of Zuko." Yue said, a bit teasingly.
Somma bit her lip, "Well… I didn't… but…"
Yue laughed, "I'm just messing with you Somma… So, what did you need to talk to me about?"
Somma blinked, "I… I just wanted to let you know that I heard something… not very good."
Yue wrinkled her forehead, the mask finally giving way and cracking. "What do you mean?"
Somma looked up at her, "Hahn's planning on doing something to Zuko… I just heard some talk around the palace…"
Yue sighed, impossibly annoyed with that boy's frivalrous attempts in winning her back, "Alert the guards, okay, Somma?"
Somma nodded again, "Alright. I'll see you out there," Somma gave her friend a smile, "I'm sure everything will be fine."
Yue nodded, brows furrowed. Somma excused herself, dodging the mass of maids who came back into the bedroom, most of them carrying on neatly folded item of clothing. One woman began scrubbing off the mask, and soon, Yue was thrust from the bath, teeth chattering. She was quickly dried off and the near violent session of dressing began.
Yue had only worn extremely formal wear during the Winter Solstices, and on extraordinarily special days of Spirit Worship, such as the day of the Blue Moon or Lunar Eclipse. She was first dressed in her traditional bindings and stockings, then a corset (something only worn my brides in her tribe), and a long, sleeveless. narrow-cut silk dress, in a dazzling white color. The white dress symbolized purity, something that would be removed tonight. The dress was a metaphorical item of clothing, for it was worn during the wedding, but removed afterwards, by the husband. The thought made her blush…
Frankly, Yue had thought about losing her virginity to Zuko. Especially that day her father had interrupted them. She gasped as the dress was tightly tied around her waist, cinching it even more. Thoughts about her wedding began to mix with the questions she had about tonight. What would it be like with Zuko?
She was snapped out of her thoughts as her arms were lifted over her head for her, the second layer slipping on. The second layer of dress, a deep blue color, represented loyalty, its sleeves were loose, billowing, and long. They dripped down, well covering her hands, and nearly went down to touch the floor. This particular layer of dress represented a long sense of faith in the marriage. The third layer, a beautiful lavender tunic, was placed over all. It's sleeves were trimmed with fur and allowed the rich blue sleeves under to spill out. This robe symbolized love, showing how it consumed the entire body and was intertwined with loyalty.
Underneath all of the heavy silks and wools, Yue began to feel less and less calm. Why am I so nervous? It's Zuko! You love Zuko. She pondered, trying to silence the nagging voices of anxiety. Her hands were covered with dainty blue gloves, deep blue shoes placed on her feet. Her matrimony coat, a deep indigo robe with her tribe's customary symbol, was pulled over her head as she was forced to sit on a stool. Her betrothal necklace was tied in place, and her now-dried hair was being forcefully brushed out and woven.
The princess closed her eyes, willing herself not to become ill. Her heart was refusing to subdue itself, and her stomach was full of uneasy vibrations. Her began kneading her hands, wringing them in her lap.
An hour or so passed before she was allowed to go get something to eat. She was not allowed to see Zuko until her father gave him to her at the Oasis. Zuko was going to be dressed in princely attire, something that Iroh had sent for the day of the announced engagement. Yue was surprised how quickly Fire Nation messengers arrived, bearing blessings and tidings from Prince Ozai and Princess Azula. The Fire Nation was prepared for Yue's arrival and coronation as Princess.
Yue barely touched what she was given to eat, watching her ladies in waiting happily chat. She felt a little more than suffocated. She missed Zuko for some reason… It had only been a night's sleep since she last saw him, but she missed his warmth, and without him, she felt cold.
The day wore on, Yue kept in a room with all of her friends, as they talked and presented the bride-to-be with gifts. She and Zuko would be wed at sun down. Usually, the bride spent this time being acquainted with her groom's female family members, but in this circumstance, the only family Zuko had with him was Iroh.
Strings of rare black pearls, Earth Kingdom delicacies, fans, hair pins, and combs were given to the princess as her hands were painted with deep blue ink in swirled patterns of the ocean. The painting of the hands was always a tradition that had been happening for ages, no matter what social class you were in. Tiny brushes twirled at the backs of her palms. If Yue remembered correctly, it was a symbol of good luck for the bride, so that she may bare healthy and talented children, and that she and her husband live long lives together. The same blue color would be put on her and Zuko's foreheads, in one bold stripe, to signify unity and companionship at the end of the ceremony.
Water Tribe weddings were always filled with symbolism- everything that happened in the ceremony would exemplify love, trust, fertility, and an infinite spiritual bond. The thought of being… infinitely bonded with Zuko made Yue smile to herself. What will he think of all the vows and actions in the wedding? Will he find them odd? He's not spiritual…
But you are living with him in his Nation… Yue reminded herself, the thought of her move to the land of fire daunting. She would be leaving her tribe- her home, the only place she'd ever known.
The time came for Yue to be walked into the Spirit Oasis. Her father, dressed in ceremonial garb, smiled softly at his only child, his eyes creasing in the corners, his deeply tanned face looking, in that moment, as wise and worn as arctic-seal leather. She smiled and took his hand. They exited out of the room, down a hallway, and came out into the biting cold.
The icy path way to the Oasis was lined with Fire Nation soldiers as well as Water Tribe warriors. They stood, shoulder to shoulder, in an alternating pattern of blue and red. Yue didn't know if this was for protecting, or symbolic of the unity of the two Nations. It made her feel safe, though, and very, very happy.
Pakku stood at the entrance of the Spirit Oasis, the door already open. Arnook ducked in, then Yue, followed by Pakku, who sealed the entrance behind him with ice. The two bridges that lead onto the island were lined with lanterns, also in the colors red and blue. Yue's heart swelled at the sight of Zuko, standing before the pond, dressed so formally. He looked up at her, a small smile on his beautiful face. Arnook took Yue's hand once more, and began slowly walking her towards him. Iroh stood behind his nephew, smiling jovially at the both.
"Make sure he treats you well, my moon flower," Arnook whispered, his blue eyes full of a fatherly protectiveness.
"He will, father." Yue whispered back, giggling a bit.
Arnook didn't respond to this. He believed her. They crossed the bridge, and as Yue walked closer and closer to the pond, she felt her father's grip getting tighter and tighter, until he simply let go.
Yue gave him one last smile, before turning to face her husband. The prince's golden eyes were no longer full of that bit of reservation. His eyes hid nothing from her as they stood before the great spirits, Tui and La. He took her hands, his warm fingers interlocking with hers. Yue felt that warmth once more, and she let out a contented sigh. Zuko had never appeared more god-like than he did right now.
Pakku crossed the bridges, standing between the bride and groom. He began the process of reciting ancient scripture from the spirits, the laws of love and marriage that they should stay true to, as long as they shall live and breathe.
Iroh and Arnook were to tie ribbons around the couple's hands, binding them together. A black ribbon was loosely tied around her and Zuko's right hands, while a white one was secured to their left. Yin and Yang, Tui and La, the spirits of balance, were not only in the pond, but also shown on their bodies, linking them.
Yue could barely contain the emotions inside her as she began to recite her vows, a tear dancing on the corner of her left eye. Zuko's vows were delivered in a quiet tone, almost as if they were for Yue's ears only to hear. The ribbons were untied, and the two were to turn to Pakku, who held the bowl of blue paint. He swiped his thumb over Zuko's forehead, then Yue's, leaving the bright blue strokes, glistening in the soft lantern light. Pakku handed Yue a glass of water and she took three small sips, passing the clay goblet to Zuko, who did the same.
The Prince and Princess faced each other once more, took each other's hands, and gazed into one another's eyes. Zuko held a reassuring expression on his face, blissfully looking down at Yue, who was struggling not to cry from delight. Zuko carefully leant down, his hands still clasped in Yue's, and placed a chaste kiss to her lips. Yue felt her heart quicken, and the tears she once struggled to hold back broke free. The kiss, only lasting mere seconds, effected Yue in some odd way… She had no idea how two weeks ago, Zuko was not in her life. She understood now, how much he meant to her, for she could no long picture herself without him by her side.
The two parted, and that was that. They were now seen under the Spirit's eyes as husband and wife. Infinitely bound together, under the unity of Tui and La. Yue was a part of Zuko, as Zuko was a part of Yue. And she never could have been happier.
It was if the sun had crossed over the moon. His light was reflecting on hers, alighting her from the inside out. As husband and wife, Zuko and Yue descended over one of the bridges, treading across the grass. Zuko opened the small door for Yue, as she ducked out and back into the cold. Zuko took her hand once more, and lead her towards their marital chamber.
"You look absolutely beautiful, Yue." Zuko whispered, taking her hand.
She looked up at him, "So do you,"
He laughed, his breath turning to steam, and he looked down upon her as if she was the only woman in the world. He swept her into his arms, as she locked her hands around his neck, grinning up at him.
"I love you," Zuko whispered, carrying her into the warmth of their bedroom.
"I love you too, Prince Zuko." She murmured as he placed her back onto her feet, by the bed.
He was watching her, studying her face as he leant down and gently kissed her, holding her delicately against his armored chest. He pulled back, "Yue… are you sure you want to... do this?"
She swallowed, nodding slowly, "Yes… Yes, I'm sure."
Zuko silently nodded, his eyes illuminated with a passionate, copper inferno. His hands moved to her hair, and he slowly and gently began to remove the ornate decorations. She watched him, her heart beat increasing as he ran his hands through her now-down hair. He smiled, loving the way it look, free of its usual braids. Zuko placed his hand on the nape of her neck and pulled her in for another kiss.
He pulled back once more, removing his small crown, pulling the ribbon from his topknot, letting his deep brown hair fall. Yue gasped, seeing the way he looked with his hair out of it's usual bun. She smiled up at him flirtatiously, and stood on her toes, molding her body to his. The kiss deepened, and she felt herself getting gently pushed backwards, onto the soft furs of their bed. Zuko began to kiss her more urgently, their lips moving together in sync. His hands helped her out of her parka, and they met again, in the usual push and pull of their kisses.
"I love you so much," Yue whispered, feeling his lips pressed to her neck, shivering a bit.
He lifted him lips off of her neck, smiling a bit wider than usual. "And I love you, Yue."
A/N
Aaaaaaaahhh the Royal Wedding! I'm sorry if this was cheesy/sappy... but hey, they really love each other! This took song long to update... I'm sorry. This is one of the longest chapters so far! Review please!