Here's chapter 50! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! I really appreciate it :)

Many thanks to PurseMonger for her quick editing and awesome help!

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AtLA is no property of mine.


Chapter Fifty

Increasing Power


Zuko let out a low groan as the energy of the dawning sun stirred him into the waking world. His still drowsy mind registered the fact that at some time during the night Katara and he had changed positions and he was now curled behind her. His left arm enfolded her body, holding her closely against him, while his right hand that curved underneath her was cupping her breast. He groaned when his semi-erect manhood rose and hardened fully.

Still not fully awake, his knee pushed against Katara's, forcing hers to bend and her leg to shift upward.

A few moments later, he felt Katara suddenly tense before she cried out incoherently. Her release brought forth his own orgasm and he groaned harshly. He licked and kissed her neck soothingly. Once he was completely spent, he slumped against her perspiring back. He could feel his wife panting equally as hard as him as sleep finally left him.

His eyes snapped open in alarm.

Oh no. What had he done?

Having been awakened from a deep sleep by his own desires, he did not have the necessary degree of awareness to protect Katara from his baser instincts and urges he promised himself he would suppress so as not to harm her. Lifting himself up a little, Zuko slowly moved her onto her back, worriedly searching her face for any sign of distress.

Two months had passed since Jianguo's attack in Omashu, and although Katara was returning to her old self, he was still afraid that he would trigger her fear of sexual intercourse. Which was why he continued to allow Katara to initiate their intimacy and he was always gentle when they came together. But this morning he had forgotten his promise and he had taken her like a mindless beast. Could she forgive him?

Looking up from beneath her suddenly silent husband, Katara frowned at his concerned expression. She had been stirred awake by her body responding to her husband's caresses, but had come fully to her senses when he entered her. Her heart and body had rejoiced at their passionate joining. She had been reveling at the fact that Zuko had finally let himself go and loved her as fiercely as he had before the incident, but seeing his anxiety now made the glow of what happened minutes before diminish a bit.

"What's wrong?" she asked hesitantly.

"I'm sorry for taking you like that," he apologized in a strained tone, "I—"

Katara quickly placed her fingers against his lips to stop him. Zuko's frown deepened.

"You have to stop, Zuko," she told him firmly.

Zuko's heart sank at her words. Did she resent him?

"Stop what?" he whispered apprehensively.

"You treating me like glass that will shatter at the slightest touch," she replied firmly yet softly as she caressed his cheek.

Zuko gently grasped her hand and brought it to his lips to kiss her knuckles.

"Yes, I was fragile before," the waterbender continued, "but I'm better and I refused to be treated like a frail woman. I want to be and feel stronger, but I won't if you continue to fear hurting me."

When her husband continued to look at her silently and uncertainly, Katara decided to bring up something she knew would help her cause. Bringing her other hand between them, she placed it on his chest and slowly began to caress his smooth muscles as she stared seductively, intensely, into his golden eyes.

"I miss you loving me roughly, possessively, taking my body completely," she whispered throatily before she purred, "Don't you?"

"Gods yes," Zuko groaned huskily.

He swiftly leaned his head down and kissed her deeply, wrapping an arm around her to pull her up against him. Katara moaned into his mouth as she wound her arms around his neck, but she whimpered in disappointment when he pulled away.

"I…I will to think about it," he rasped before he moved away from her.

Katara opened her mouth to argue, but was interrupted when he shook his head and gave her a strained smile. Sighing, Katara nodded her head. She understood that Zuko was just trying to protect her and was having a hard time. He just needed time to see that there was nothing she could fear from him.

"We should hurry so we can train in the arena before I have to meet with the Earth Kingdom's ambassadors," he prompted her as he stood up from the large bed and walked toward their big wardrobe.

The blue-eyed brunette reluctantly got out of the bed. Smoothing her nightgown down, she went to wash up. When will Zuko be comfortable enough to let himself go and love her fiercely? It was not that she did not love the moments when he loved her tenderly because she truly did, but they were both passionate people and it was incredible, almost magical, when they came together in their ardent and frenzy need.

She almost laughed at the reversal of their roles. Now it was she who was trying to persuade Zuko into sex and he was the one who was being hesitant. But she would not pressure him too much. He had done more than enough for her these past months. She knew he was just trying to protect her, even from himself.

"Are you ready?" she heard Zuko ask a few minutes later.

"Yes," she replied with a determined smile.

For the early part of the morning, they spent their time training in the arena. Katara found that she really was not that bad in hand-to-hand combat. Her waterbending had lent her dexterity and fast reflexes, but she still needed to work on her physical strength that would help her push or throw a heavier attacker away from her. That was what Jee was helping her with when Zuko could not train her. Jee had her lift light weights to build her strength; she had refused to lift heavier ones for fear of having unfeminine, bulging muscles. His lessons also included exercises to build up her endurance.

"I think that's enough for today," Zuko spoke up as he wiped the sweat from his forehead with his forearm.

Panting, Katara dropped her fighting stance and placed her hands on her hips as she waited for her breathing and heartbeat to slow down.

"You're getting better and better," the Fire Lord complimented proudly.

"I should be, having you as my instructor," the waterbender replied with a grin.

"You do make a good point," Zuko responded with a smirk.

Katara laughed as she shook her head at his arrogance before her expression turned serious. Zuko's humor subsided at her change of mood and he frowned.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Zuko," she began carefully before she continued more firmly, "I want to spar with you while you use your white fire."

"What?" Zuko exclaimed with wide eyes before he quickly shook his head. "No."

"Why not?" she asked exasperatedly. "You are able to control it now. Besides, going against such a high level firebender can only improve my waterbending skills."

When her husband continued to shake his head, Katara placed her hands on her hips.

"We don't have to go full on battle mode," she said, "We can start slow with small fighting exercises."

Zuko was silent a moment as he frowned at her before he sighed at her determined expression.

"What if…what if I hurt you?" he asked quietly, anxiously.

Katara's expression softened and she stepped forward to cup his cheek.

"You won't," she said confidently.

When he remained skeptical, she gave him a small smile and wound her arms around him. The young lord immediately wrapped her in his arms and pulled her tightly against him.

"If you do accidentally hurt me, I can always heal myself," she assured him.

Zuko remained silent for a long moment as he debated what Katara had said before he decided she was right. It would also be fun to be able to spar with someone using his white fire instead of practicing alone. Besides, he had to stop letting fear rule him.

"Alright," he consented as he pulled her back slightly to look down at her. "We will start slow, but you have to promise me that you will not push yourself beyond your limit."

"I promise," Katara told him as she smiled happily at him, "Thank you, Zuko."

They spent the next few minutes stretching and cooling down before they walked back to the side of the arena where servants rushed forward with water and towels. Idly talking about Zuko's upcoming meeting with the ambassadors and Katara's next duty as Fire Lady, they walked back to their bedchamber to bathe before they ate breakfast in the adjoining room.

"I'll see you later," the golden-eyed firebender said once they finished their meal.

"Okay," Katara responded as they both stood up and walked toward the door.

Before Zuko opened it, he turned toward her. He gently grabbed her upper arms and pulled her closer to him before he bent his head to kiss her softly. Katara sighed as she pressed herself tightly to him and eagerly kissed him back.

"I really wish I could make love to you anytime I want to, just like before," he whispered against her lips, "But I'm afraid you would regret it if I did. I don't want to be selfish. I don't want to hurt you."

"I know," Katara replied with a soft sigh. "I just wish you could have more faith in my mental and emotional strength."

They pulled apart and stared intensely and silently into each other's eyes. Reaching a hand up, he stroked her cheek and she leaned into his touch.

"I promise I will think about it," he told her.

Katara nodded before she gave him an understanding smile. They were interrupted when they heard a soft knock at the door. Straightening himself, Zuko gave her one last smile before he opened the door. They watched as Jiao paused with a raised fist ready to knock a second time before she gave a shallow bow due to her condition.

"Good morning, my lord, my lady," she greeted with a polite smile.

"Good morning, Jiao," Zuko replied as he stepped around her to exit the room, but not before throwing his waterbender one last lingering look.

"Are you ready to meet with Lady Ursa, my lady?" Jiao asked once the Fire Lord left.

"Yes," Katara replied with a smile as she observed the maidservant.

Jiao was already showing signs of her pregnancy. Her belly was more visible than it had been the month before and there was a glow in her golden eyes.

"How are you feeling, Jiao?" Katara asked as they walked out of the room and headed down the long corridor.

"A little tired," Jiao admitted truthfully with a sheepish smile before she added fondly, "But I'm very happy."

Katara watched Jiao place her hands on her growing stomach. Again the waterbender wondered when it would be her turn. She took a moment to fantasize about what her first child would look like. Would he or she have Zuko's black hair or her brown locks, Zuko's golden eyes or her blue ones? The possibilities made her smile in anticipation.

The two women walked in search of Lady Ursa so they could go over the Fire Lady's new project; remodeling the city orphanage and supplying the children with much needed aid. Katara smiled when she spotted her mother-in-law talking to one of the youngest advisors, with Jee standing attentively at her side. Katara raised an eyebrow when she noticed the dark look Jee was sending the oblivious advisor. As she approached them, she watched Jee compose himself as they all turned to greet her. After requiring after her well-being, the advisor excused himself with a respectful bow before he retreated.

"Are you ready to go, Ursa?" Katara asked with a smile.

"Yes, of course, dear," the older woman replied as she returned the smile.

The Fire Lady and her mother-in-law led the way down the corridor toward the palace courtyard. A few minutes later, the three women were sitting in a carriage. Jee, Shen, Kuo and a large group of guards surrounded it on komodo rhinos. As they reached the grounds of the orphanage, Jee dismounted before he quickly walked toward the carriage to help the women down.

Smoothing her royal dress—an elegant dark red robe with a thick black and gold sash—Katara looked at her surroundings before she glanced at the building. She frowned at its dilapidated state before she was distracted by movements coming from the building. She spotted the children looking curiously at her from behind windows and doors before her attention was caught by the approach of the elderly woman who ran the place.

"Fire Lady Katara, you honor us with your presence," the gray-haired woman greeted as she gave a respectful bow. "I was both shocked and delighted at receiving your message that you wish to help the children."

"I am glad that I can help," Katara replied sincerely, "And as Fire Lady it is my duty."

The older woman continued talking, but Katara was distracted as she caught sight of a little boy—no more than five years old—hiding behind the skirts of his caretaker. When he noticed that she had seen him, he blushed and hid again.

"Hello," Katara called out gently as she leaned to the side so she could see him better.

The boy peeked up and again stared at her in curiosity and admiration. The older woman stopped talking as she watched their interaction.

"Your eyes are blue," he said as he pointed at Katara's eyes before he came out of his hiding place and smiled, "They're pretty."

"Thank you," Katara replied with a smile, "I think your green eyes are amazing."

The boy blushed bashfully as he kicked his foot on the ground.

"My mama said they are the color of my father's eyes, but I've never met him," he explained matter-of-factly.

Katara suppressed her frown since she did not want to alarm the child and looked up inquiringly at the orphanage's owner, who sighed sadly.

"His father is a wealthy, married Earth Kingdom merchant living somewhere on the great continent. His mother, who recently passed away due to an illness, was a poor and young servant working at the house the merchant was visiting. She was a naïve and unfortunate woman," she explained vaguely.

Katara clenched her hands as she figured out the boy's history, which apparently he did not understand due to his young age. His father must have been visiting the Fire Nation and seduced the young woman, who then became pregnant. The man must have denied the boy's parentage and left the woman pregnant with their child and returned to his family in the Earth Kingdom. She hated such cold-hearted and irresponsible men. And now the boy was alone, just like many of the children in this place. Her anger was then replaced by sadness. Bending a little, Katara reached out a hand to caress the boy's dark hair and smiled.

"What is your name?" she asked softly.

"Takeo," the little boy quickly replied.

"Nice to meet you, Takeo. I have come to help you and all the other children," she told him kindly.

"Really?" the boy asked with wide, green eyes. "Will you give us more food? And better clothes?"

"Yes, that and much more," she assured him as she gently patted his head before she grinned, "But you have to promise me that you will grow big and strong."

"I promise!" he enthused as he puffed out his small chest.

"Good!" Katara exclaimed as she straightened herself out before she added, "Now, why don't you go tell your friends what I said?"

"Okay!" he yelled before he turned around and raced back to the large building, shouting excitedly at the top of his lungs.

Katara chuckled as she watched him go before she and the older woman followed in the boy's wake. Ursa, Jee, Jiao, Kuo and Shen followed after them. As news of the Fire Lady's generosity reached their ears, the children eagerly fled their hiding places and swarmed the kind waterbender. Katara laughed delightedly as the children enthusiastically welcomed her into their current home and vied for her attention. Takeo held her hand throughout her visit. She felt compassion for the orphaned children, who either lost their parents through death or, more sadly, were abandoned. She knew what it felt to live without the warmth and love of parents. Luckily for her, she was able to get her father back, which unfortunately, would not be the case for many of these orphans.

She spent the next few hours listening to the children before she gently commanded them to heed their caretaker's order for them to prepare for supper. Once the children left, Katara walked with the orphanage's mistress to her office to discuss the details of Katara's plan to better the orphanage. Once everything was settled, the older woman enthusiastically thanked the kind Fire Lady as they exited the place. Before Katara could leave, Takeo and the other children poured out of the building to bid her goodbye and made her promise to visit them again.

There was a pleased smile on Katara's face as she finally settled in the carriage with Ursa and Jiao. It felt so good to be able to use her role as Fire Lady to help those less fortunate and to change things to something better. Of course, not everybody welcomed her help readily or agreed to her projects enthusiastically. There were some who still did not accept her as Zuko's wife and Fire Lady, but she did not let any of that get to her. Instead she focused on the gratefulness and affection she received from those who did appreciate her efforts—which were mostly those from the lower class.

Her train of thought once again turned to how she had been pleasantly awakened that morning by her husband's passionate lovemaking. She hoped Zuko realized soon that she was better and would not go back to the weak person she was two months ago so he could once again unleash his fierce and passionate side. She did not want him to keep suppressing what was in his nature.

Her thoughts shifted to Zuko's insistence of her learning to wield a weapon. She had thought long and hard upon the issue before she finally decided that he and Iroh made a good point. She could not always depend on hand-to-hand combat to save her from an attacker. However, she still could not figure out what kind of weapon she wanted to use. Although swords fascinated her, especially when her husband used them, she could not see herself cutting someone down. The same went with daggers or any projectile of the same category—especially since she did not want to imitate Mai. Katara frowned at the thought before her face took on a pensive expression. She wanted a weapon that would not hinder her when she used her waterbending, one that would be easy to use and would not cause much damage.

"Thanks to you, the children of the orphanage will know a better way of living than they have for some time, and in some cases, since their births," Ursa's pleased voiced interrupted Katara's thoughts.

"They will," Jiao agreed with smile.

The blue-eyed Fire Lady turned to her poised and smiling mother-in-law. Katara smiled when inspiration struck her.

"Ursa, I just thought of something," Katara began as she tried to think things through, "Can you teach me how to use a bow and arrows?"

"You want to learn archery?" Ursa asked with a surprised, raised eyebrow.

"Yes," the waterbender replied determinedly. "It's one weapon that might immobile an attacker but not kill him."

A small frown appeared on the golden-eyed noblewoman's face as she contemplated for a moment what her daughter-in-law had said before she smiled.

"If that is what you want, then I will gladly teach you archery," she responded.

"Thank you," Katara said as her smile widened.

"We can start tomorrow before your lessons with Jee," Ursa told her.

"That's fine," the waterbender assured her enthusiastically.

She could not wait to tell Zuko.


"Remember to straighten your spine, but not too much," Ursa instructed as she pressed her hand on her daughter-in-law's back. "Good. Now nock your arrow like I taught you."

With a nod, Katara placed the arrow nock onto the bowstring before she raised her arms into position. She remembered Ursa's instructions as she tried to draw the arrow back, but again found it difficult to pull the tight bowstring. A few hours had passed since they started and Katara could already feel her fingers cramping. She had to admit that this was harder than she had originally thought, but if her mother-in-law could do it, then so could she. When she told Zuko about her choice in weapons the previous night, he had said it was a good idea. He told her that once she became adept it in, he would commission a personalized bow, quiver, and arrows for her that would not hinder her waterbending. Katara had only smiled, but the truth was that she had a different plan as to why she wanted Ursa to teach her archery.

"Good. Now focus on your target," Ursa's voice brought the waterbender out of her thoughts. "If you want to just wound your attacker then you need to aim at the limbs, preferably the legs to incapacitate them. In order to kill you have to aim your arrow at the head or preferably the heart."

Katara swallowed before she nodded that she understood. Drawing the arrow close to her cheek, she closed one eye as she focused on the target ahead of her with her other eye. She took a deep breath to steady her arms before she released the arrow. To her embarrassment, it fell almost at her feet just like it had in her previous attempts. Blushing, she looked up with a grimace at her mother-in-law. Hearing a muffled chuckle, the waterbender glanced to the side to glare at Jee. Catching her glower, Jee composed himself and muttered an apology. Huffing, Katara turned back to Zuko's mother. Ursa smiled reassuringly as she stepped forward to pick the arrow up from the ground and hand it back to Katara.

"Don't be discouraged," the older woman told her, "This is just your first day. It takes time and practice to get it right."

"I know," Katara sighed, but still it was embarrassing. She was glad Zuko was not present to witness her failures.

"Here, observe what I do," Ursa said as she stepped into Katara's spot after the waterbender moved aside.

Pulling an arrow from her quiver, Ursa took her stance before drawing the bowstring close her mouth. Taking a second to focus on her target, she released her fingers. The arrow shot straight forward and embedded itself on the target's bulls-eye. Katara and Jee applauded. Curious, the waterbender glanced at the admiral out of the corner of her eye. She noticed that he had an awed look on his face as he stared at the dark-haired noblewoman as she relaxed in her stance. Katara was distracted from her observation when Ursa turned to her.

"Try again," she encouraged as she stepped aside.

With a nod, Katara returned to the spot before the target and again tried to pull the bowstring taut.


It was the same routine for the next month. Katara was proud to admit that she was becoming better in everything she was learning, although she still had a long way to go before she would become an expert. Zuko had also convinced her to carry a sheathed dagger for extra protection, which he had trained her to use. She strapped it on her waist belt on the opposite side of her waterskin for easy access. Now she would have nothing to fear if she found herself without her waterbending. She promised herself that she would never become a liability to Zuko.

Although he was now comfortable enough to initiate their sexual intimacy, he was always careful and gentle. She missed his fire and knew it affected him, too. She had tried many times to coax him into it, but with no avail. He feared she was just being insistent just to please him no matter how many times she told him otherwise. She just had to hope he would get over his fear soon.

"Strengthened your legs, my lady," Jee instructed with an observant eye, "Match your breathing every time you lift the weights."

Katara nodded as she exhaled and inhaled as she lifted one arm at a time. Strengthening her muscles was necessary if she ever needed to throw a heavier person away from her. Jee was a strict instructor, but a very good one. She could see why Zuko appreciated the older man's skills as well as his loyalty.

"Good. I think that is enough for today," Jee spoke up. "Now take a moment to stretch your muscles."

After they were finished with their training, Katara silently drank water from a cup a servant gave her and observed Jee as he wiped the sweat from his brow as he again glance at the sun's progress in the sky. She had a feeling he kept checking to see how close it was to the noon meal where they were to join Ursa and Iroh in the private garden's veranda. Gathering her courage, Katara cleared her throat to gain his attention.

"Have you ever been married, Jee?" she asked casually as she placed the small towel around her neck and looked at him.

"No, my lady," Jee responded frankly. He raised one eyebrow at her sudden curiosity.

"Really?" she said. "I can't believe it."

"There were women who were after me with hopes of marriage when I was younger," he admitted after a while, "But once I joined the military, I did not have time for a wife, especially after leaving the Fire Nation with the then former Crown Prince Zuko and General Iroh."

Katara hummed at his response, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"But now it's different," she spoke up. "You're a respected admiral and still young enough to marry."

Jee flushed before he cleared his throat.

"Perhaps," was his simple reply.

"Has a woman caught your eye recently?" she asked innocently.

"Ah, if we do not hurry we will be late for the noon meal, my lady," he said instead as he tried to usher her back into the palace.

"I can tell you have a woman in mind, Jee," Katara told him, ignoring his attempts to distract her.

Jee frowned, then he hesitated, before he sighed in resignation. He knew their Fire Lady was too observant for him to think he could lie to her.

"I do," he finally relented.

Katara suppressed a triumphant grin at his confession. Now she had to continue carefully if she wanted Jee to reveal to her what she had been suspecting for a while now.

"Do you plan on proposing to this woman soon?" she asked.

"No," he immediately replied.

"Why not?" Katara asked with a frown.

"Because I can't, it is impossible," he responded grimly.

"Why?" the waterbender again questioned.

Jee hesitated before he continued.

"She is not a woman I can be with," he explained somberly, "I'm not even supposed to have feelings for her."

"Is she married?" Katara inquired with a raised brow.

Jee frowned.

"Not anymore," he muttered.

"Does she have eyes for someone else?" she asked, determined to get him to confess his feelings.

Jee's expression darkened at the thought.

"I don't believe she does," he answered gruffly.

"Well, if she's not married nor has any kind of relationship with someone else, then why is it impossible?" Katara asked as she raised an eyebrow.

"It just is," he replied, heavy resolution in his tone, "She does not see me as something more…"

"Jee," Katara said as she stared into his eyes, "You love Lady Ursa, don't you?"

She watched as his eyes widened in surprise before he quickly tried to deny her words.

"I've been observing your reactions when you're near her for months," she interrupted him, "I know it's true. You love Ursa."

Jee remained stiff and unyielding for a long moment, but when the blue-eyed Fire Lady continued to stare at him, challenging him to lie to her, he sighed and slumped his shoulders in defeat. Now he could understand why his Fire Lord sometimes found it so hard to deny his wife anything.

"I…I do," he confessed sincerely.

A smile appeared on Katara's face at his admission.

"Please, my lady, I ask that you don't tell anyone," he requested urgently.

Katara frowned before she nodded.

"You have my word that I will not reveal your secret," she promised before she added more softly, "But you should let Lady Ursa know your feelings for her."

Jee shook his head.

"She must never know," he said resolutely.

"But why?" Katara asked.

"A noblewoman would never glance twice at a simple admiral, much less marry him," Jee explained morosely.

"If the Fire Lord married a simple Water Tribeswoman, then a noblewoman can marry an extraordinary admiral," Katara insisted, "One who has been at the Fire Lord's side for years."

Again, Jee stubbornly shook his head.

"I was assigned by Fire Lord Zuko as Lady Ursa's guard," he replied. "I can't be anything else. Besides," he paused briefly before he continued more quietly, "she does not return my feelings."

"How do you know if you don't ask her?" the waterbender told him gently.

Such a question and possibility seemed to perk Jee's spirits up before he composed himself and shook his head.

"Even if that were true, which it isn't," he asserted before continuing more firmly, "Fire Lord Zuko might not like the idea of his mother remarrying and I will not do anything to distress him."

Katara frowned since she could see that she would not be able to change his mind. Besides, she understood how he felt. They were the same fears she had when she thought Zuko could never return her feelings. But was there really no chance for Jee and Ursa?

"I understand," she said before she added with a reassuring smile, "But don't worry. I will not betray your confidence."

"Thank you, my lady," Jee replied gratefully with a bow of his head.

Silently, he escorted her back into the palace before they headed their separate ways to freshen up for the noon meal.

Bathed and dressed in her royal robes, Katara entered the Royal Palace Garden with Kuo and Shen following after her. As she neared the veranda, she smiled at Iroh and Ursa when they happily greeted her. She glanced at Jee, who was already sitting next to the noblewoman, and gave him another reassuring smile before sitting down at her place. The servants quickly moved forward to place their food before them. A few gray clouds had begun to cover the blue sky for the past hour or so, but the temperature was still nice and warm.

As Iroh questioned her about her progress in her training, her continued lessons with Madam Fang Hua, and her next projects as Fire Lady, Katara would surreptitiously observe Jee and Ursa. Now that she knew Jee's real feelings, she could not help but notice the admiral's reactions to the beautiful noblewoman. Why didn't Ursa notice?

The small group was interrupted from their meal and conversation when Zuko arrived unexpectedly. Katara noticed Jee stiffen almost imperceptibly as he subtly glanced her way. She smiled slightly to show she would keep her promise to guard his secret.

"Zuko!" Iroh exclaimed enthusiastically as he lowered his teacup to beam at his nephew. "If we had known you were going to join us, we would've waited before eating."

"It's fine. The meeting ended early," Zuko explained impassively as he sat down next to his wife who threw him a happy smile. He returned her smile before glancing down at the plate a short-haired servant had rushed to place before him. It had been a while since he had shared lunch with his family.

They spent the next few hours talking about idle things before the conversation shifted to the whereabouts of Jianguo and the rebels. Katara no longer felt terror grip her chest at the mention of the rebel, but a deep hatred for his despicable acts and a determination to help Zuko in whatever way to bring Jianguo down. When their speculations ended with nothing promising, they again changed the subject to Zuko's duties and Katara's charity cases. When they finally realized they had spent almost the entire day in the veranda, Iroh and Ursa decided to leave and give the royal couple some alone time that they were rarely able to enjoy lately. Once everybody was out of sight, Zuko let down his indifferent mask and smiled affectionately at his wife. Even with his other family around, he found it hard to show his true feelings.

"It's been a while since we spent some time in the garden," he spoke up smoothly.

"Yeah," Katara agreed with a smile before she added, "Let's feed the turtle-ducks and the koi fish!"

"Alright," Zuko consented with a chuckle as they gathered pieces of leftover bread and placed them in napkins before they stood up.

They walked away from the veranda and made their way on one of the stone paths lined with grass and flowers that led to the pond. Once they reached the cherry blossom tree, they sat down under its cool shade and Katara began to croon at the turtle-ducks who waded close when they saw the couple. The Fire Lord and his waterbender began to throw crumbs into the calm water, which were immediately devoured by the little creatures and the surfacing koi fish. They were content in the comfortable silence that surrounded them even as they finished feeding the animals. Although barely visible due to the gray clouds that covered it, the sun continued its slow descent on the sky. In an hour or two, night would follow.

Inhaling deeply as a cool breeze swept by them, Katara exhaled softly before she turned to regard her husband with a pensive expression. His eyes were closed as he relaxed against the trunk of the tree, one arm resting on his bent knee, his other leg extended in front of him. The perfect picture of tranquility. She admired his handsome profile and his strong frame for a moment before she cleared her throat to gain his attention. Zuko opened his eyes and turned his head to look at her.

"Zuko," she began casually as she pretended to arrange her formal robes around her legs, "have you ever given thought that Ursa could one day remarry?"

"No," he replied bluntly.

Katara suppressed a frown at his quick response.

"Okay, well, would you be agreeable to it if she ever wanted to?" she asked.

This time Zuko took a moment to think over her words before he frowned.

"No," he answered.

"Why?" Katara asked, barely managing not to sound exasperated with his one-word negative answers.

She frowned when he shrugged and again closed his eyes. Licking her lips, Katara gathered her courage to continue, prepared if she evoked his temper with her questioning.

"Is it because you don't want to share her affections with anyone else after being reunited with her?" she inquired carefully.

Zuko opened his eyes to stare at the now serene pond as he again mused over her words.

"Yes," he sighed almost shamefully.

"Ursa has a right to love someone and be loved in return, Zuko," she told him gently.

"I know," he replied as he again turned to look at her, "It's just that I don't want her to be hurt again, the way she was hurt by Ozai."

"I understand," Katara agreed, "But maybe Ursa would find a man who would treasure her."

Zuko did not comment on her words, but Katara refused to drop the subject now that she had brought it up. She wanted to know what Zuko thought and see how difficult Jee's path would be when and if he ever decided to confess his feelings for Ursa.

"What would you do if your mother ever found such a man?" she asked quietly.

Zuko frowned deeply.

"I don't know," he told her truthfully before he added gruffly, "And I don't want to think about it."

Sensing that he was getting annoyed, Katara bit her lip before deciding to stop for now. Maybe she would bring up the subject again another day and little by little make him think about the possibility. With a smile, she changed the subject to Jiao and Kuo's upcoming parenthood and Zuko relaxed as he listened to her talk. There was a lull in the conversation, the only sounds that could be heard were the quacks of the turtle-ducks and the rustling of leaves and branches, before Zuko heard Katara clear her throat again.

"Zuko," she began before she continued more seriously, "I want to participate in the meetings with the Court Council."

Zuko looked at her and noticed her determined expression. He was not at all surprised at her request, in fact, he had expected her to bring up the issue a long time ago.

"You know the advisors are against the idea of a woman participating in the sessions," he reminded her.

He wondered what the advisors would have done if Azula had become Fire Lord. Suck it up because she would have set them on fire? Zuko suppressed an amused smirk at his thoughts before he shook his head.

"I know, and I'm not saying that I want to participate in all of them, just the ones that deal with the problems of the common people and the relations with the Water Tribes," she explained before she firmly added, "I want to show them that I am a capable and strong Fire Lady."

"You know I'd gladly accept your input on such matters, Katara, but it'll be hard to change the minds of the old advisors," he told her.

"Then I will prove myself before them," she responded resolutely.

Zuko smiled and he reached out a hand to caress her cheek.

"Have I told you how grateful I am to have you as my wife?" he asked softly.

Katara placed her hand above his and smiled gently at him.

"You show me through your actions every day," she responded.

Zuko bent down to bestow a soft kiss on her lips at her reply before leaning back to smile at her and ask what she had in mind that would convince his advisors. Katara frowned in thought as she speculated out loud. When she stopped talking a few minutes later, Zuko turned to look at her curiously. He watched as she fidgeted in her place and bit her lip uncertainly.

"What is it?" Zuko asked with a concerned frown.

He watched as she took a deep breath and straightened herself.

"I've been thinking about this for the past few months," she began carefully before she continued more firmly, "Besides learning hand-to-hand combat and how to use a weapon, I want to perfect my bloodbending."

Zuko's amber eyes widened in surprise as he sat up straight and turned toward her.

"I thought you hated it," he said in confusion.

"I do," she replied with a nod before she continued, "but I have to stop being naïve and be realistic. Bloodbending will help me protect others as well as myself. I thought long and hard about it and came to the conclusion that there is no harm in it as long as I don't abuse the power like Hama did."

Zuko regarded her silently. Although he could see the determination in her expression, he also noticed the uncertainty in her blue eyes, as if she were afraid he would be disappointed in her. How could she think he would think less of her for such a decision when he was a ruthless man who did not hesitate to end someone's life in order to protect those he cared for? It just went to show how kindhearted his wife really was.

"I think that is a great idea," he assured her with a smile. "I know you will only use your bloodbending for a good reason."

Katara sagged with relief and gave him a large, grateful smile.

"Thank you, for understanding," she said.

Zuko nodded before he grinned.

"Besides, it always fascinates me to see you bloodbend," he confessed, then with a lusty smirk he added, "It also makes me wonder what other things you can do with the human body."

Katara's eyes widened before she laughed.

"Oh, and would you be willing to volunteer for such an experiment?" she asked innocently.

"I sure as hell won't allow you to experiment on someone else," he retorted dryly.

Katara again laughed at his words, relieved to know that he did not judge her for her decision. They continued to tease each other as the koi fish swam gracefully in the pond and the turtle-ducks quacked and frolicked in the water.

Zuko enjoyed the return to normalcy in their relationship—well its almost return to normalcy since their sex life was still not the same as it had been before. He had to curb his need to take her wildly and hear her screams and moans of pleasure. But he could see that Katara was once again the strong and confident woman he married. She could now throw him off his feet in hand-to-hand combat and he was relieved at the thought that she could now hold her own, even when she could not defend herself with her waterbending. His mother had also told him that Katara had talent with the bow and arrows, though he wondered why Katara had not mentioned it to him so he could commission the equipment for her. And now her bending would be even more powerful if she honed her skills in bloodbending. He was interrupted from his thoughts when he felt a few drops of water fall upon his forehead and nose.

"It's sprinkling!" Katara exclaimed in delight.

Zuko glanced up to the sky and finally noticed that the gray clouds had become darker before he blinked when the drops increased from a light sprinkling to pouring rain. He looked back down to Katara to tell her they should head back inside the palace only to have his words get stuck in his throat at the sight that greeted him. His wife's lovely face was tilted upward as raindrops kissed her skin, a pleased smile curling her plump lips, cobalt eyes closed, arms spread wide as she welcomed the rain.

"I didn't expect it to rain," she spoke up softly.

"Neither did I, since it usually rains in winter in the Fire Nation and it's barely the end of summer right now," he explained just as quietly.

He watched as Katara opened her eyes and looked at him with a smile. She grabbed his hand and urged him to stand up with her. Silently, he obliged her and stepped out from the flimsy protection of the cherry blossom tree's leaves. Not a second passed before their hair and formal robes were completely drenched, but Zuko found he did not care in the face of his waterbender's delight. They silently enjoyed the cool rain, the soft breeze, and the fresh scent of the rain. Zuko looked away from his wife to watch as the turtle-ducks hurried to the protection of some bushes. He observed the way the rain created ripples in the pond while the koi fish continue to swim unperturbed. He turned to look back at Katara when she released his hand.

"I want to show you something," she told him.

"Show me what?" he asked.

He watched curiously as she stepped away from him and gathered some water from the falling rain. Her face took on a concentrated expression as she moved into a stance as if she were holding a bow. His eyes widened in admiration when a liquid bow appeared in her hand followed by an arrow. He watched as she drew the arrow back before releasing it in a sigh. The liquid arrow turned into one made of sharp ice and it shot forward before it embedded itself in a tree trunk a few feet away. Zuko stared at it in amazement before he turned to his smug waterbender.

"Is this what you've been planning all along?" he asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"Yes," she replied with a grin, "that is why I asked your mother to teach me archery. It will be faster with my waterbending. Of course, I still plan to use a regular bow and arrows in case I find myself unable to waterbend."

"Well, it's amazing," Zuko told her with a smile.

"Thanks," Katara responded happily before she grimaced, "I was horrible in the first few lessons and it took me weeks to master it with waterbending. I still have to work on the accuracy of my shots, though."

"Even so, it's still incredible," he assured her.

Katara smiled before she again turned her face up to the cool rain.

"I love the rain!" she sighed happily before she looked back to her husband when she felt him step closer to her.

"And I love you," Zuko said softly.

Katara felt her heart flutter at his words and she smiled. Mesmerized by the soft look in her eyes, Zuko leaned down toward her face. They stared at each other for a second before he kissed her softly, caressing her lips with his and slowly licking the seam of her bottom lip. She sighed delightedly at the taste of his kiss mixed with the rain water and pressed closer to him. They pulled apart and gazed intensely into each other's eyes. When he reached for her, Katara stopped him as she splashed him with water. She laughed when he growled at her before she spun around and raced away from him.

Grinning, Zuko quickly chased after her, determined to catch her, but she did not make it easy, especially since she would use the rain to her advantage to thwart his efforts. Leaves rustled softly in the swaying branches and water splashed everywhere as they raced over the drenched grass.

Zuko finally caught up to her and growled triumphantly as he wrapped an arm around her waist and spun his stunning water nymph around toward him. When she collided against his chest, he swooped down and claimed her mouth in a deep kiss that had her moaning and melting against him.

Zuko groaned loudly at the sensation of her wet, soft body pressed so tightly against his hard frame. Breathing harshly, he pulled away from her mouth and stepped back a bit to see strands of her chocolate hair curled along her cheeks and neck. His smoldering eyes trailed lower and took in the sight of her clothes plastered to her alluring, feminine curves, her hard nipples protruding against the wet cloth, before he again crushed her to him and kissed her passionately. His wife moaned and clung to him as she returned his kiss, battling fiercely with his tongue.

Agni, he wanted her. Tonight he would love her with a wild passion that would prevent her from walking properly for days! He had thought that by suppressing his possessive and rough side, he would help Katara, but he now realized that he was only hurting both of them and letting Jianguo come between them.

No more. Just like Katara was willing to forget what happened and put it in the past, so would he. Though he would never forgive and would continue seeking revenge. But now he would worship Katara, take her, and love her with all the fierce passion he possessed.

"You truly are an enchanting water nymph," he rasped as he pulled back slightly in order to catch his breath.

"Water nymph?" Katara asked breathlessly with an amused smile.

"I've been mentally calling you a water nymph ever since you set out to seduce me at the waterfall that first night I gave you an orgasm," he growled out lustfully.

He smiled smugly when Katara's blush intensified. He ran his thumb across her rufescent cheek before he bent down to kiss her passionately so that they were straining against each other once again.

"My lovely, sensuous water nymph," he said throatily against her lips.

"Oh," Katara moaned as she clung to him. She could feel her nipples aching against her wet clothes from both the cold rain and Zuko's warmth and words.

Gently pulling her head back, Zuko deepened the kiss as he touched every inch of her mouth before coiling his tongue around hers. When Katara moaned and sucked his tongue, he growled huskily before pulling away.

"I want you," he rasped.

"Don't you have more work to do?" she asked breathlessly even as she pressed herself enticingly against him. She wanted him, desperately, but she also did not want to come between him and his duties.

"There are only documents I need to look over, but I can do that tomorrow," he explained before he throatily added, "I'm more concerned with pleasuring my wife at the moment and being pleasured in return."

Oh, thank La, was the only thought that passed through Katara's head as she pulled his head down and kissed him hard.

Zuko groaned as he returned her ardent kiss, pushing his tongue insistently, coaxingly, inside her mouth. He cupped her ass with one hand and pressed her tightly against him. She moaned when she felt his hardness press against her stomach before she began to rub herself against him. She smiled into their kiss when he groaned loudly and bucked his hips tightly against her.

"Let's go to our room," she panted against his mouth.

"I can't wait that long," he rasped huskily, "I need to have you now."

Before Katara could do anything but moan, Zuko swiftly swept her into his arms and quickly made his way to the veranda. Katara's eyes widened when she realized where he was heading before she looked up to smile sultrily at her husband. At her eager look, Zuko paused briefly to bestow a passionate, heady kiss on her lips before walking forward once again as the rain continued to fall steadily around them. Wrapping her arms around his neck, the waterbender began to kiss and lick his strong jaw. Zuko groaned at her actions and he increased his pace as he climbed the few steps that led to the veranda. Without setting her down, he hurriedly slid one of the shoji doors open before moving away from the rain as he closed it and walked inside the enclosed veranda. He only had enough time to shoot sparks at a few of the candles before Katara was kissing him breathless again.

"I want you, Zuko, please," she moaned breathlessly as she rubbed herself against him.

Zuko captured her lips in another searing kiss before he settled her on her feet. He pulled away from her and Katara frowned when he walked away only to smile when she saw him quickly gather the cushions around the low table. Once he had created a comfortable pile of cushions, he quickly took off his heavy formal robes until he stood before her in only a thin tunic and dark trousers. He threw the garment aside before he turned and held out his hand invitingly to her. Heart beating rapidly and body tingling in anticipation and lust, Katara quickly stepped toward him and placed her hand in his larger one. She gasped when he roughly pulled her against his chest and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hiked up one of her legs around his, and ground her belly insistently against his erection as she sucked on his tongue.

"Gods, Katara," Zuko rasped as his arms tightened around her.

If he had wondered if this was what Katara really wanted, her fervent actions said it all. She wanted him, all of him, and he could not be happier. Or more aroused.

With a groan, Zuko wrapped his arms tightly around her before he quickly brought them down upon the pile of cushions, uncaring that their wet clothes were drenching them, as they made love.

Faster, harder, hotter, more intense and powerful did their lovemaking become as they strained, bucked, and rock against each other. Trying to catch their breaths, their hungry mouths detached for a moment and their eyes connected and locked in a desperate yet tender gaze as they gave themselves to the moment and to each other. A moment later, they both reached that glorious peak and tumbled into an abyss of excruciating ecstasy.

Zuko rasped her name before he slumped over her, panting and shuddering from his incredible release as he tightened his hold of her body. Katara wrapped her arms around him as she gasped and panted for breath, her heart beating rapidly in her chest.

It was a long moment later when Zuko finally had the strength to lift himself enough to look down at her. Her blue eyes were half-lidded, her lips swollen from his kisses, and her expression one of immense pleasure and satiation.

"Gods, I missed this," he groaned throatily as he raised a hand to tuck her damp hair behind her ear before he caressed her flushed cheek.

"You won't hold yourself back from me anymore?" she asked breathlessly as she reached up her own hand to brush a few strands of his long, black hair aside.

"Never. I promise," he vowed firmly, his tone fierce, his eyes intense and affectionate. Then a smirk curled his lips as he added, "In fact, I planned on showing you how sincere I am by demonstrating it to you throughout the night."

"You will need to demonstrate it to me many, many, more times before I'm convinced of your sincerity," Katara quipped playfully yet seductively as she undulated her hips underneath him.

Zuko's breath caught in his throat, but he instead pinned her hips down before she made him lose his mind again. A plan was forming in his head, a way to show her how much he desired and loved her and her body. But to also demonstrate how much her body craved him inside her, just as his craved to be buried within her. He bent down to kiss her deeply before he pulled away from her.

"Come. I want to show you something in the privacy of our rooms," he told her huskily as he held out a hand toward her.

Katara eagerly grasped his hand and he pulled them up. Katara let her dress fall back down her legs as she watched Zuko tuck himself back into his pants. He then snatched up his robe and her undergarment from the floor. Katara let out a breathless little moan and he chuckled as he stuffed the delicate article into his pocket. Placing his robe over his arm, Zuko held out his other hand to her and Katara quickly took it, entwining their fingers together as they smiled at each other.

They walked toward the shoji door and Zuko quickly opened one and closed it behind them once they stepped out. The rain was still falling steadily and, with another amorous glance at each other, they stepped out of the protection of the veranda's roof and swiftly headed into the garden, rain once again drenching their hair and clothes.

Once they entered the palace, they walked swiftly down the corridors, leaving a trail of rain water for the servants to clean up since Zuko was too impatient to have her in their rooms to wait for her to clean up the mess with her waterbending. Luckily, they did not encounter anyone as they made their way.

When they arrived in the seclusion of their bedchamber, they turned quickly to each other and gazed at one another in anticipation. The curtains before the balcony doors were closed to ward off the chill and rain. The fireplace was lit as well as a few candles and the light chased away the darkness. Water dripped from their drenched clothes and hair and puddled on the marble floor around their feet. Katara quickly used her waterbending to dry them off before Zuko pulled her to him and kissed her until she was breathless and limp with pleasure against his chest. After a few moments of slow, heated kisses, he slowly pulled away and stared down into her darkened azure eyes.

Agni, she was beautiful.

Without a word, he grabbed her hand and led her to their massive bed where he gently urged her to sit. He glanced at her briefly before he let go of her hand. Katara watched in silent curiosity as her husband went into the bathing room only to return with a thick towel. Her eyes hungrily followed his movements as he placed the large towel across the back and seat of one of the chairs resting before the warmly blazing fireplace before he again moved across the room to where their large full-length mirror rested.

The waterbender tilted her head in wonder as she watched Zuko pick up the mirror and walk back to place it before the chair. He stood back to critically analyze his work before he shifted both the chair and the mirror so that the light from the fireplace could illuminate the chair and make it visible through the mirror's reflection. Then he turned back to his curious wife and smiled seductively. Katara felt her pulse quicken and she swallowed thickly as she fixedly stared at him as he approached her like a stalking predator.

Zuko stopped in front of her and, with a rakish curl of his lips, began to slowly divest himself of his clothing. No other woman would be able to make him feel so empowered, desired, and loved like his Katara. She was the perfect mate for him.

He leaned down to kiss her sensually, passionately, sucking gently on her full lower lip. Katara moaned and murmured against his mouth as she reached up her hands to grasp the back of his head.

Zuko slowly urged her back and Katara lay down upon the mattress as he gently settled on top of her heating body. They continued kissing as Zuko blindly unraveled the sash around her waist and pulled at the ties that held her elegant robe closed.

A moment later, Zuko moved them to the chair before the mirror and proceeded to make passionate love to his wife. Then they were crying out their pleasure as it reached its peak.

Zuko gasped at the intensity and amazing pleasure of it all before he sagged against the back of the chair, totally spent and satiated. He gently brought her sweat-slick back against his chest. She was moaning and trembling as she rested trustingly against him.

He lifted his eyes and was glad to see that she still had hers opened, although they were half-lidded. Panting harshly, heart pounding wildly in his chest, Zuko reached his hand up to smooth her hair back from her flushed face. She was breathing equally as hard as him as she stared at him with a pleased smile on her lips.

"La, that was incredible," she sighed, her voice a little huskier because of her last scream.

Zuko smiled, both content and smug, as he caressed her cheek.

"Agni, I love you, Katara," he crooned huskily, "That was perfectly amazing."

"I love you, too," the waterbender murmured lovingly as her smile widened a little.

"So hot," he groaned before he rasped, "You're going to be the death of me, Katara."

Katara laughed at his words. It wasn't the first time he had told her that and it made her feel powerful and sexy to know she affected him that much. Suddenly a yawn slipped past her lips and she blushed in embarrassment. Zuko chuckled as he hugged her affectionately to him.

"Come. You need to rest," he said before he added teasingly, "You earned it."

"Damn right I did," she quipped playfully, only causing him to chuckle again.

Gathering her gently in his arms, Zuko rose from the chair and walked away from the mirror toward their large bed. Katara decided that she would clean the chair and the mirror from any evidence of their activities later. Zuko turned down the cover of their bed with one hand before he deposited her on the mattress. With a pleased sigh, the Fire Lord lay down next to her and pulled her against him. She nuzzled against his still sweaty chest before she lifted her face to smile at him.

Her azure eyes showed her fatigue. He would let her rest for a little while before he woke her up again so they could eat something after missing dinner. Then he would make love to her again. He gave her a small smile in return as he brushed her slightly damp hair away from her face and lowered his head to press his lips on her temple.

Katara smiled sleepily at him and she raised her head so he could kiss her lips. She sighed softly against his caressing mouth before she pulled away to settled back against him and relaxed in his arms. It was always his arms that made her the feel safe, loved, and at home.

No words were said or needed to express their thoughts and feelings as they basked in the peaceful afterglow of their lovemaking, curled into each other and wrapped in each other's arms. As she began to drift into a restful slumber, Katara was glad that they were both able to surpass this obstacle. Their bond was stronger and unbreakable, their love fierce and without compare. By helping each other and being there for each other, she was positive they would overcome anything that came their way.


Zuko sat silently on his throne as he watched his advisors murmur amongst themselves as they threw disapproving looks at Katara. His wife, dressed in elegant, formal red and golden robes, was sitting on an elaborate cushion embroidered with red, black, and gold designs he had custom made for her as her new throne. It was placed below the dais before the wall of fire next to the marble stairs that led to his throne and directly facing the advisors. Iroh was sitting next to Advisor Chao and they were frowning at the men. As soon as Zuko had helped Katara sit on her throne before he took his, he had voiced his opinion on having his Fire Lady participate in some of the meetings. The council members were not pleased to say the least.

"It is unheard of to have a woman participate in such discussions," Wei spoke up gruffly.

Zuko glared at him.

"Besides, we all know that women do not have the capability to understand such difficult matters," Wei added in a condescending tone as he eyed Katara with a patronizing look, "Especially women that come from uneducated and unsophisticated nations."

Gritting his teeth in anger, Zuko was about to react in defense of his wife, but a look from his uncle made him pause. He remembered Iroh telling him that he should allow Katara to prove herself capable to withstand the advisors' insults and rise above them if she was to convince them of her worth. Although it took everything in him to force himself not to immediately defend his wife, Zuko took a deep breath as he waited for Katara to respond.

Sitting on the large, elaborate cushion Zuko gifted her with, Katara inwardly seethed with anger and indignation at the men's supercilious words. It was difficult to remain calm and not immediately react in fury to their insults, but she kept her composure. She would prove them wrong.

The advisors watched in surprise when their Fire Lady smiled serenely at them all, though they could detect the blazing gleam in her cobalt eyes.

"Uneducated and unsophisticated nations, you say?" the waterbender spoke up with a deceptively calm, sweet voice, "I assure you that we are a literate and intelligent people. We are not a land of primitives and savages as you always try to make us seem. It just shows how ignorant and egotistical you are."

Wei and the other men spluttered in outrage at the offense. Zuko rubbed his hand against his mouth to hide his amused grin while Iroh cleared his throat to hide his chuckles.

"Even so, you are still a woman and a woman always lets her emotions control her," one of the oldest advisors spoke up angrily, "Women don't think rationally."

"Oh, is that so?" Katara replied in the same honeyed tone even as she raised a mocking eyebrow, "And men don't allow their pride and egos to get in the way when it comes to a compromise? The first solution men resort to when dealing with a problem is violence and war. Is that really more rational?"

A few men opened their mouths as if to retort before they stopped and frowned at her words. A few others murmured amongst themselves. They all paused when the advisor rose angrily to his feet and pointed an accusing finger at her.

"You sit there as if you have a right, but we've noticed how weak you've become," he growled out, "You are only a weakness to our lord and this nation!"

The fire wall blazed almost to the ceiling as Zuko clenched his hands into fists as he angrily glared at the man. He paused, however, when he noticed the advisor's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Katara and not at him. Zuko turned to observe his wife.

The men watched as the Fire Lady remained tranquil on her throne as she stared at them evenly as she reached down and splayed her fingers outward over the floor. They gasped and stared in awe as ice began to form around the cushion she was sitting on before it began to spread outward on the marble floor, slithering toward them in intricate patterns like a spider web. They watched as ice began to creep up the walls, quickly extinguishing the various torches that hung on them. The only fire that remained was the now calmly blazing fire wall before the Fire Lord's throne as it threw ominous shadows around them. The men shivered when the air around them turned bitingly cold before they froze in fear as the ice slithering on the floor finally reached them and began to slowly crawl on the cushions they were sitting on. They could see their breath misting before them as their breath accelerated.

"Weak?" the blue-eyed waterbender spoke up in a calm, serene tone before she firmly added, "Not anymore."

They stared at her with wide eyes filled with both fear and admiration. She stared at them steadily for a few more moments. With a flick of her wrist, the ice disappeared as quickly as it had formed and the temperature returned to normal. Placing her hands demurely on her lap, the Fire Lady gave them a warm, amiable smile and the men let out relieved breaths as they sagged in their spots. On his throne, Zuko mentally applauded his wife for her display. He could see that the men were beginning to take her more seriously.

"I only ask to participate in meetings regarding the problems of the common people as well as both Water Tribes," she told them in a more congenial tone, "After all, I am more suited to understanding what both entail. I had vowed to help my husband in any way I can with his rule."

The men quickly turned amongst themselves and began to discuss the matter with each other. Zuko smirked as he caught sight of the incredulous expression on Wei's face as he watched his fellow advisors actually contemplate the Fire Lady's request. Zuko looked away from his advisors and glanced down at his wife. As if sensing his intense gaze, Katara looked up at him and smiled triumphantly.

A long moment later—after much arguing—the men finally returned their attention to the royal couple.

"After much debate," another of the oldest advisors spoke up, "we have decided to give Fire Lady Katara a chance to prove herself capable of handling such issues for a trial period of six months."

Both Katara's and Zuko's eyes widened at the men's decision before they looked at each other with smiles. Katara turned back to gift the men with a large, grateful smile that made them flush.

"Thank you," she told them sincerely, "I swear that I will do my best."


Panting as heavily as the moaning woman beneath him, Jet rolled away from her and lay at her side, staring at the ceiling silently as he waited for his body to come down from his release. A moment later, he felt her place a hand on his sweaty chest and he turned to look at her. There was a sated smile on her thin lips, her long, black hair fell over her pale shoulder to partially cover her small breast, and her dark eyes glinted in satisfaction. But Jet hardly paid attention since his thoughts had already turned to smiling, plump lips, chocolate hair, tanned skin, and lively, blue eyes. Eyes that had look at him in fear the last time he had seen them.

"What are you thinking?" Mai's voice interrupted his thoughts as she caressed his chest.

"Nothing," he responded with a shrug before he smirked at her as he reached out to fondle her small, pale breast, hoping to distract her from asking any more questions. His male ego grew at the thought that thanks to his incredible skills in bed, he was able to teach Mai to be a better bed partner. She was almost as insatiable as him.

Mai let out a small groan even as she stared sharply into his eyes. She knew he was thinking of the waterbending wench and the thought angered her, not so much because she cared about Jet, but because the waterbender was receiving such attention. Yet, she did not say anything to upset him. She did not want to lose him and find herself searching for another lover while she bided her time until Zuko called her back.

Ever since Zuko and the waterbender had unexpectedly returned to the Fire Nation, Mai had continued her trysts with Jet since their interests ran the same way. Jet was a great lover who held nothing back. She especially enjoyed it when he spent himself inside her when he lost control. It was fortunate that she was knowledgeable of ways she could prevent pregnancy. It would not do to become pregnant with Jet's bastard child.

It always made her wonder how it would feel if Zuko did the same. The few times Zuko had allowed them to be together, he was always in control of himself, his only goal was to achieve his end, not really interested in anything beyond that. He never lingered after, but hastened to redress and leave to attend to one duty or another. And that was why her hatred for Katara grew, because Mai knew that Zuko was treating the waterbender in a way he never did her in the entire four years they had been a couple. And now she was seething that her plan on seducing Zuko while Jet did the same to Katara had gone awry because of their sudden return to the Fire Nation. She inwardly scowled.

"Do you have any ideas what we can do to separate Zuko and the wenc—Katara?" she asked, quickly stopping the insult so as to not upset him.

At her words, Jet stopped his fondling and frowned. He moved away from her and sat up on the edge of the bed as he got lost in his thoughts. For the past few months, he had begun to question his actions and his plan to take Katara for himself. Admittedly, he still wanted her like he had not wanted any other woman before, but his last encounter with her disquieted him. He had tried to convince her one last time to run away with him, but she had vehemently refused. Frustrated by her constant refusal, he had stepped forward to embrace and kiss her, but her reaction had shocked him. She had not angrily slapped him or shoved him away from her like he had thought she would, but she had backed away from him with wide, frightened eyes as if she thought he was going to maim and violate her. Before he could ask her what was wrong, her husband had arrived, wrapped her protectively in his arm, and ushered her away.

Katara's expression and reaction to his approach had not only confused him, but it had pained him as well. Did she abhor his touch that badly? With a sigh, Jet ran his hand through his messy, dark hair. Silently, he stood up from the rumpled bed with the naked woman still on it and began picking up his discarded clothes.

"What are you doing?" Mai asked with a frown as she sat up, not bothering to cover herself up as she watched him get dressed. They were in her room, so they did not need to stop their tryst for fear of getting caught.

"I need to meet up with my friends," he responded smoothly.

"You haven't answered my question, Jet," she said coldly.

Jet was silent a moment as he pulled on his trousers and tied them before he turned to look at her.

"I don't have any ideas," he began before he reluctantly added with a sigh, "because I don't want to separate them anymore."

"What?" Mai exclaimed in disbelief before she narrowed her dark eyes, "Why?"

"I've come to realize that Katara will never want to be with me," Jet responded as he finished dressing before he added bitterly, "And I can see that she's happy with her husband, though I can't understand how she can stand him."

"You promised to help me separate them," she hissed at him.

"You shouldn't trust everybody's word, dearie," he told her with a mocking grin as he turned to look at her. His eyes raked her naked form before he again looked into her angry eyes.

"You should give up on Zuko," he advised as he scratched his stubbly chin, "Maybe find yourself a man who can care for you."

"Oh, and are you such a man?" she asked sardonically.

"Me? Hell no," Jet replied with an amused chuckle as he strapped his hook swords to his back.

His tone more serious, he added, "If I can't have Katara, then I don't want another woman. And since I can't have her, I won't sacrifice my freedom and bachelorhood for anyone else. I love the pleasures women can bring too much to tie myself to someone that's not Katara."

"My, such devotion," Mai replied derisively.

Jet shrugged as he stared at her.

"You know the bastard's not gonna run into your arms when he has a woman like Katara," he told her frankly.

"Shut up!" she shrieked as she balled her hand into a fist. "I will take Zuko back!"

"You're only wasting your time, Mai," Jet drawled with a sigh, "It's obvious the firebender's madly in love with Katara, as she is with him. They're not gonna throw each other away for somethin' less."

Even though he knew it was true, his heart hurt at the thought. He had spent all these years thinking of Katara, dreaming about her when he had been bedridden with pain after the fiasco in Ba Sing Se years ago, fantasizing about having her body, kindness, and love all to himself. It had angered him to know that she had married that damn scarred firebender and it killed him to think that the arrogant bastard was able to make love to her. But he had been determined to seduce her and take her away from Zuko nonetheless. However, he was done lying to himself, thinking he had a chance with her. It was time he let her go.

"Shut up!" Mai screamed again as she threw a pillow at him, which he easily evaded. "Zuko will be mine! And nothing, not even that stupid waterbending bitch, will stop me!"

Jet narrowed his eyes for her threat and insult to Katara and he growled. He was inwardly surprised that the usually calm and passive noblewoman was anything but at the moment.

"The Fire Lord will end you if you try to hurt Katara," he warned before he added darkly, "And he won't be the only one you'll have to deal with."

"Get out, you traitor!" she yelled as she again threw another pillow at him. "Get out!"

"You really should stop this obsession you have with the bastard," Jet tried one more time to make her see reason. "Can't you see he doesn't care for you?"

"Shut up, shut up, shut up!" Mai growled. "He will be mine!"

Jet shook his head at her stubbornness before he shrugged.

"Don't say I didn't try to warn ya, darling," he drawled as he strode to her window and opened it. Just as he climbed onto the windowsill, he turned his head to regard her with a smirk.

"Well, our little trysts were fun while it lasted. Thanks, Lady Mai," he said rakishly. He gave her a casual salute before he dropped down the window and disappeared.

Mai stared angrily at the window before she closed her eyes to compose herself. The egotistical rogue really knew how to get a rise out of her, whether in bed or in conversations. Damn him.

Once she regained her usual composure, Mai rose from the bed and walked toward the window. Without looking out, she closed it and drew the curtains together. She turned around and glanced back at the untidy bed where she had found her pleasure just a moment ago. With a shrug, she turned away and headed to her bathroom to bathe.

"I don't care what Jet says," she spoke to herself as she flicked her long, dark hair over her shoulder. "I don't care what I have to do. Zuko will be mine."

End of Part Seven


A/N: Uh oh.

Thanks to Katherine2701 for giving me the idea of Katara's waterbending display before the Council.

Once again, thank you for reading!

~alwaysZutarian