.
Six weeks later...
Faia was in Katara room brushing Katara hair back with her fingers trying not to disturb the curls she had formed. Faia finish manipulating Katara hair in a low messy bun showcasing her curls as a few strands framed her face.
"I found them!" Suki exclaimed as she burst through the door.
Suki brought within a white crystal diamond hair ornament Hakoda bought with him from the South Pole to hold Katara nest of hair in place. As Suki walked closer to Katara she admired the red Cheongsam dress that stop just below the knee, she picked for the bridesmaids. The Cheongsam top was designed with dark blue lace panel patterns as the skirt fell free in a solid red.
"It's perfect" Katara said happily smiling to Suki looking at the hair ornament. It was exactly as she remembered, one of the few items left amongst her mother things.
"Did you go see the boys?" Katara asked
"No Sokka is checking on them "
Katara was delight when she heard the great news Suki had a safe delivery with two healthy boys. She was even more delighted when they arrived to the palace a few days ago with the water tribe. Katara was finally able to hold her twin nephews for the first time.
She saw how sweet and gentle they both was, Zuko had pick up one twin as Katara held the other, Katara couldn't help but look at Zuko inner glow with the baby that he tried to mask.
"Ok don't move, I need to finish your makeup" Faia instructed.
Faia was looking lovely as well in a peach pink short sleeve floral dress that came down to the floor.
Katara sat still with her eyes close as Faia brought the makeup brush to her eye lid.
"Oh Suki, I was wondering.. have you seen Aang yet?"
"unfortunately I haven't"
Katara felt a bit sad, aang did not RSVP or send any messages of any kind.
"Don't worry Katara I'm sure he'll try his best to get here" Suki tried to reassure as she watched Faia finish Katara make-up.
Suki and Katara heard many footsteps approaching the room.
"Your highness " madam Kim said walking in.
Katara opened her eyes to see Azula walking in with Madam Kim whom was rolling her cart covered of jewels once again. Azula was wearing the same Cheongsam dress as Suki, but with a gold chain Katara had never seen before.
"Former Fire Lady Ursa picked these items herself" madam Kim announced
Faia step aside from Katara view as madam Kim drew back the cloth, the gold uncovered was soft in color complementing the honey sun shining in the room. The gold necklace that embody a upside down tiara was placed on katara neck by Faia, along with one arm cuff and 5 bangles.
There was also a large Fire Nation insignia earrings sitting on the cart.
"Theses earring was gifted to me from Ozai Mother." Ursa said in the doorway. We all looked to Ursa, although Katara could tell there was a large tension stewing from Azula the moment she set her eyes on Ursa.
Ursa walked into the room picking up the earrings beginning to place them on katara ears.
"The Fire Lady before my time and the one before hers all wore these earrings. Single-handedly this is the Fire Lady most icon piece"
Katara felt humble by Ursa who gifted theses pieces to her.
"Thank you" Katara said trying not to tear up
"After today you will no longer be Katara of the water tribe, but Fire Lady Katara whom joined two nations, if no one told you this... I am very proud of you"
Katara was touched hearing such words from Ursa.
"HUM" Azula sounded as she stood up and stormed out having enough of the lies her mother used.
Katara looked down to the floor as she tried to understand Azula feeling on the matter of her mother.
"It's wonderful thank you " Katara said smiling to Ursa who was still looking at the door where her daughter just walked out only seconds ago.
"Katara you look so beautiful!" Suki exclamated changing the conversation.
POV AZULA
I didn't mean to walk out on katara Azula thought as she hope to explain that sometime soon, but the infuriating words of her mother annoyed her so.
"Where are you going" mihir asked as he followed the princess.
Azula had almost forgotten Mihir was standing outside Katara room waiting on her, as he was her plus one for today.
"I don't want to talk about it" I said hastily walking away.
"Azula" Mihir said grabbing her hand
"Will you just let go of me" Azula said yanking her arm away
Azula continued walking away from Mihir till she was in the garden. There, in the short distance was that little infection Kiyi and some other annoying children around her age who was in the upperclass of the Fire Nation. Azula looked away disgusted by the one who replaced her.
"Your just a peasant" a nobleman daughter name Ziri screamed causing Azula to take another turn back looking at the small group.
The small group of demon young teenagers laughed as another nobleman daughter named Hama threw Kiyi to the ground. Dirt covering her knees on her light yellow kimono dress.
"Would you like some work in my house?" Ziri continue tormenting Kiyi.
"I'm sure father will give your servant mother some work and then you could afford a better dress from the capital then this country side rags you sew together."
The group of young teenagers kept laughing. Azula rolled her eyes in disgust not because some annoying children were torching Kiyi but because kiyi was allowing them to.
Don't this demon brat know who she was?
all Kiyi did was cry on the ground as they kicked dirt at her.
"You!" Azula yelled from the outside hall.
The hand full of young teenagers froze for the fear of Azula, they heard many story's some lies and some true but all told of her temper, fighting skills, precise calculated move and love of torture.
Azula walked close to the group of children as her head held high to her status.
"What are you all doing"
"S-she was lying. When we stop her to question where she was going, she claimed to be a guest of the Fire Lord."
"Who are you" Azula asked
"Now she's going to get it" Hama whispered as Kiyi looked at the ground still on her knees scared to look up at Azula who has never looked at her kindly.
"I was talking to you" Azula said looking to Hama. Hama had a lump growing in her throat as she looked up to the Fire Nation princess whom expression was serious, her eyes towering over hers, glowing with disgust.
"Were you appointment keeper of this palace to question anyone" Azula question with a golden glow in her eyes scaring the young girl.
Hama and the group of young teenagers looked down daring not to look Azula in her eyes any longer.
"..no princess Azula" Hama said
Azula picked Kiyi off the ground pulling her to her feet, face full of fresh tears leaving streaks of dry trails on her cheeks.
"This is The Fire Lord and MY sister"
The group of young teenager face turned to horror as they now knew who they offended "next time you see her you are to fall to the ground and kiss it as she walks by! Is that understood?!"
"Yes princess " they all sounded off to scared to dare say anything else.
"ON THE GROUND" Azula yelled.
All the young teenagers drop to the floor kissing the sharp blades of grass leaving small cuts to their lips as Azula lefted out of the garden with Kiyi.
Azula continued walking until she reached her room pulling Kiyi inside. Kiyi stood near the close door unsure what to say as Azula rampage through her closet.
"Princess you called" a women appeared at the door closing it behind her.
"Yes " Azula said as she pulled out a small dress from her youth.
"Change her into this and clean her up quickly" Azula finished as she handed the maid a light pink Long Cheongsam Dress with white floral design.
Kiyi looked amazed at the gown, her eyes sparkled at the high quality frabic. Kiyi only thought when she married she would be able to wear something so pretty.
Azula paying kiyi no mind sat at her make-up table where she kept a few pieces of jewelry.
"This to" Azula said grabbing a gold beaded bracelet that had a gold beaded choker necklace to match and handed it to the maid.
Azula went to walk out the door when she hear a small whisper "Thank you" from Kiyi before she shut the door behind her.
POV KATARA
I stood in front of the mirror in my empty room alone with the sun rays floating in revealing the hidden dust as it flooded into the light. My long Qipao Robe was a blood red, design with the great Dragons of the past in gold. A heavy gold elaborate Phoenix Coronet rested on my head with a few gold string pieces dangling in my face. My Robe of rank that rested on my shoulders was a beautiful dark blue unlike the Fire Lady's of my past whom had a red one.
After this moment I will be one with Zuko, mind body and Soul. I thought as I looked myself in the mirror.
Looking around my room, it was bare.. the last items in my room was my night clothes from last night and makeup. As soon as I leave the servants will get to work ripping the sheets off the bed and clearing out this room of any personal items they might find, from now on Zuko and I will sleep in the same bed for the rest of our days our lives joined to the end.
"Katara are you ready ?" Suki said coming in my room
I slightly turned my head to the side looking at her my head held high and neck long.
"..Katara ... y-you look like a Queen "
I look back at myself in the mirror taking a deep breath.
"I-I think I'm ready"
I could feel butterflies with every step I took, following behind Suki and Azula as we approach the large red doors.
The guards looked to Azula, Azula turned to looked to me as I tried to control my breathing.
Breath in breath out I told myself.
My eyes met Azula and I nodded
I'm ready I told myself.
Azula nodded to the guards.
*BANG BANG*
The two guards on either side of the large doors began banging their large thick metal rods to the floor.
*BANG BANG BANG*
The other guards lined down the halls joined in, then I heard the echoing throughout the whole palace beginning to joining in as the noise echoed louder, and louder it match my breathing. I could feel the floor shaking, every sense was deepening and the noise only increased.
Then *SILENTS*
The guards stop banging as on cue the large Red doors opened to the sun light. Azula walked out into the soft sunlight with gracing all with its light energy, then soon Suki followed her. My eyes adjusted to the open door light as I hid in the dark shadows of the palace, I heard songbirds chirping flying around. I could see outside stood all our friends, family and nobleman with government officials. The one person I couldn't see was Zuko, there had been so many government officials, nobleman their wives and kids that the groom side was over flooded.
Azula and Suki made their way to the Alter as they took their place now facing the aisle I'll walk down in seconds.
The soft music coming from a Pipa began playing,
Breath
I took my first step out from the shadows into the light.
Just breath
I felt the warmth of the sun touch my leg as the rest of my body followed under the sun ray.
*gasp*
POV ZUKO
I stood at the end of the aisle with Sokka to my side, Unlce sat next to Ursa, Noren and Kiyi in the front row of the groom side. While Katara grandmother and father sat on the brides side and held Suki and Sokka twins.
I waited for my bride to come but didn't anticipate when I laid eyes on her how I would feel.
Katara delicate foot step out of the shadows as the rest of her body followed. The warm day light glistening off her eyes, the yellow rays complementing her tan skin. The hot cement floor line with white fabric landing at the altar, with the addition of red pedals , blanketing every step she took.
Zuko could feel his knees buckling as his heart began racing. His arms trembled and pure shocked ran through his veins as his eyes connected with the gorgeous blue eye creature whom stood but 20 feet's from him.
A smiled creeped up on his face, seeing how Katara beauty was enhance by the small additions of hairs framing her face.
As the music played every eye watched Katara walked towards the altar, no man nor women was able to turn from her beauty. For Zuko it seemed the laws of time cursed him, time and physics didn't work correctly on his wedding day. It moved so slow before he was granted the opportunity to touch her.
Oh the sweet agony he thought.
The closer Katara got it seem the more beautiful she became, Zuko use to think blue complemented her rich skin.. but now it seem Red was always her true color.
"Finally," Zuko thought " finally, finally," she was standing in front of him , stunningly, overwhelmingly gorgeous. Red lips with blue ocean eyes that hypnotize him.
Then It hit zuko like a ton of bricks, she my bride. Only mines.
" This day is one of a grand celebration!" A Fire sage step forward to began.
" The progeny of two nations shall be joined by Marriage. We all will bare witness to our Nation future Rulers show their loyalty and devotion before the Spirits, the heavens and each other."
Zuko and Katara both kneeled on the ground and faced each out squaring their arms and bowed before each other cheeks blushed red as gleaming eyes looked to one another.
"Rise as FIRE LORD ZUKO AND FIRE LADY KATARA "
*CHEERS*
Sound of cheers roared all around those who witnessed.
Zuko stood up quickly unlike Katara whom dress didn't allow her as easy movement, Zuko extending his hand helping his now wife to her feet blushing as their eyes met. They were now Rulers of a Nation, King and Queen, husband and Wife.
"The Fire Lord and Fire Lady will now greet their nation as one" the Fire Sage finished leading the way to the guard gate where they will both get into a open carriage.
The Jiaozi was deck out in royal Red design, gold dragons and surrounded with flowers.
Zuko held Katara hand as she climbed into the Jiaozi before Zuko got in taking his seat next to her's. Katara looked to the open side she sat at, their was all the guards and people who was dressed to walk along side them. Servants had drums and dressed in elaborate costumes ready to preform. Zuko fingers lifted katara hand causing her to look at her husband on the left, his lips delicately making contact with Katara hand gently kissing it.
Zuko touch was gentler then ever,Katara thought.
"I'm not going to break" Katara whispered sitting next to him teasing her husband.
"I'm not going to take that chance" zuko said smiling.
Katara couldn't help but smile as she bit her bottom lip looking at him, her eyes now turning a bit sinful.
" stop it " zuko whispered wanting to push Katara back taking her then.
"Don't lose your cool fire lord" Katara continued to teased.
Zuko smirked at his wife, her playful ways, always testing him. But right now he will allow her to win, that's what a great husband does, right? At least... for now it is.
* CHREEK * the gates opened breaking Zuko glaze from his wife.
"Today " the Fire Sage began walking passed the open the gates.
"Is the day a daughter of the Ocean and your son of Fire joined by marriage" the Fire Sage finished and stepped aside "Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Katara"
Katara and Zuko began moving in the Jiaozi carriage as a hand full of street performers move to the front, walking down the main road of the Fire Nation Capital preforming moving dances and Acrobat tricks.
*CLAPING CLAPING CLAPING*
*CHEERING*
Hundreds of thousands citizens showed up to greet their new rulers. Many people stood outside cheering hoping to catch a glimpse of their new rulers. Zuko waved as the carriage moved by, Katara looked at Zuko who was so natural at this. She followed his lead waving to the people they passed.
"Your highness! " a young boy ran trying to meet the carriage, catching up to katara side.
"Please accept this" the young boy about 8 handed Katara a hand full of Red peonies flowers that looked at if he plucked it from a garden.
"Oh how sweet, thank you" Katara stated her face lite up like fire works in the night sky, accepting the small hand full of flowers from the young boy. The young boy waved to katara blushing as he ran back to his mothers arms.
"Looks like I have competition" zuko playfully whispered in Katara ear.
After sometime Zuko and Katara made their way back to the entrance of the palace to the area they will have their reception. All the guest had moved to the reception hall awaiting the young rulers returned.
"Your Fire Lord and Fire Lady "
The newly wedded couple walked in as the large crowds clapped to Iroh announcement.
To their throne Katara and Zuko sat side by side, looking at all the guest whom began coming to them and giving their blessings, as well as gifts. One by one guest came to the young rulers.
"Congratulations " Suki said standing in front of the young rulers on their throne, she moved closer to hand Katara a small green box with a gold ribbon.
"Can I open it?" Katara said looking go Zuko
"Traditional we'll wait until later, but we're family" Katara smiled outwardly and inwardly hearing Zuko considering her family now his. Carefully she unboxing the small gift holding up two golden lightweight bracelets in her fingers.
Suki took the bracelets placing the smaller one on katara wrist then the slightly larger one on Zuko.
"These are life bracelets, as long as you two are alive they can never be removed."
Katara smiled looking up eyes tearing up a bit
"It's perfect, thank you"
Sokka walked up extended his arm out to Zuko for a formal water Tribe shake.
"Congrats" he said approvingly.
"Welcome to the family" Hakoda said nodding from a distance to his now son-in-law.
"Oh my little water bender " gran-gran express holding out her hands cause Katara to stand up and move closer to her family below the throne.
"Congratulations my water flower," gran-gran said holding her only granddaughter hand tightly.
"Thank you gran-gran.. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you when Master Pakku passed.
"Don't you worry about that, today is your day. you... Come" gran-gran said looking to Zuko.
Zuko stood up from his seat, moving to stand at the side of his beautiful wife.
Gran-Gran took Zuko hand and placed Katara's hand in it.
"you two will have a strong bond, and live happy long lives together" Zuko lovingly looked Katara in her eyes, her hand still in his
"I plan to" zuko whispered causing a heat to arise in Katara cheeks.
"I'm sorry but my gift isn't available today"
Zuko and Katara heard from the door.
The young couple both looked ahead delighted to see Aang standing there.
"Aang" Katara excitingly exclaimed as she ran to the air bender arms.
Zuko quickly followed his wife wanting all the nobleman and government officials to think noting of this.
"It's so good to see you, Aang"
Aang hugged Katara back lifting her slightly off the ground placing her gently back on her feet.
"Aang " zuko said extending his hand out to the young Avatar.
"Zuko " aang smiled back accepting his hand shaking it, then going in for a hug.
"Why didn't you send word?" Katara asked now standing at her husband side.
"I had to stop at the earth kingdom and wasn't sure when I'll arrive, I didn't want to get your hopes up"
"We're just glad you came aang" Katara said resting her arm on her husband chest
"Will you be staying" zuko asked the avatar
"It's that's alright with you"
"Of course" zuko answered extending a invitation.
Zuko and katara made their way around the room greeting more guest in every direction. As Katara stood by her husband who was talking to a government official, Katara saw a short earth bender in the short distance.
"Toph" Katara said hugging the short earth bender "thank you for coming "
Toph wore a white dress with a light green floral designs that cinched right below the breast line. The dress came right down to the floor, katara suspected to cover her feet, she also had delicate sheer light green shawl.
"Thank you for inviting me" Toph said with no unusual expression to her.
Toph was standing not far from her parents whom the invitation extended to since they was highstatus figures in Gaoling, earth Kingdom.
To katara Toph skin looked as if it was glowing from the inside out.
"Toph your skin looks so rosy, what have you been doing" Katara commented
"I don't really have a beauty routine, I just haven't had a taste for meat and been carving more fruits the last few weeks"
"Ooh ...are you seeing anyone.." Katara asked quietly as a thought popped into her head.
"..don't " Toph voiced shake a bit moving her head side to side, realizing what Katara was getting at.
"Well I should go see who else my mother wants me to meet before I go back to republic city, and while I still look like a real Beifong " Toph finished trying to pass it off as a joke.
"Toph wait," Katara called "if you need anything and I mean anything you can always talk to Sokka... or me"
"Thanks Katara "
Katara watched as Toph disappeared through the thick crowd of people.
POV AZULA
The ceremony went on without a hitch, katara and Zuko was making their way around the room laughing and smiling with everyone they came across. I sat at the Fire Lord and Fire Lady table where everyone can see and those who sat here could see everyone.
"uhm ..Azula"
I heard a faint voice asked from the side of me. I turnt my head slightly to see kiyi standing there, body language showed a timid girl.
"what" I answered as my arms was crossed looked back to my line of view of the wedding.
"I just want to say thank you for what you did for me" kiyi so gratefully expressed
"I didn't do it for you. You are related to royalty and need to know how to hold your own in the palace " Azula rolled her eyes
Kiyi hopeful eyes shot down feeling a tad hurt.
"I'll return your dress and-"
"Don't, keep it" Azula interrupted.
Azula dazed out a bit in her memories then pressed her lips "I'll prefer you to have it, I don't even know why I kept it"
Kiyi looked at Azula a bit confused unsure what she meant.
"I ...I don't know why I said that... excuse me" Azula concluded as she gotten up dropping the napkin on the table that had laid on her lap moments ago.
Azula made her way outside the large balcony over looking the large lake on the side of the palace the sun starting to set in the distance, red, orange and yellow tones in the sky flighting the dark night.
"Hey"
Azula turnt to see Mihir standing to the side of her.
"What" Azula said rolling her eyes turning her head from his view.
Mihir walked behind Azula wrapping his arms around her slender waistline his jaw resting on her shoulders.
"What are you doing " Azula questioned
"Your a great person, you know that" Mihir smiled to Azula
"I have no idea what your talking about" Azula said trying to slow down her breathing
"What you did for kiyi"
Azula looked puzzled at Mihir wondering how he knew about that.
"I don't know what you mean" Azula replied breaking free moving out of his grip.
Mihir quickly grab Azula hand pulling her back into his embrace their lips touching unexpectedly.
Azula cheeks grew red with embarrassment that Mihir was able to catch her off guard.
Azula tried to push Mihir off from his chest but his strength was more then she thought, actually more then he let on. Azula unwillingly gave in to Mihir kiss until dare she think, she wanted more.
Mihir finally let Azula step back her eyes wide with the unexpected movement.
"Why did you do that"? Azula asked her cheeks still red with heat.
"Your going to be mines" Mihir smiled walking passed his princess.
Azula looked at Mihir as he walked back inside her fingers touching her lips from that unexpected kiss. Feeling of butterflies arose in her stomach as the touch of him faded.
POV KATARA
As the night went on, the palace guest began to leave with Katara and Zuko seeing them off at the door.
There's sokka Katara thought.
"Uhm sweetie" Katara looked up at Zuko
"I need to go talk to Sokka"
"Everything alright" zuko questioned
"Everything's fine I just need to talk to him about something"
Zuko lend down kissing his wife softly and quickly on her lips and allowed her to leave his side.
Katara moved quickly till she was face to face with her brother.
"We need to talk" Katara said cornering Sokka alone pushing him to sit down at a random empty table.
"What?" Sokka asked unsure as he slip his drink
"You need to talk to Toph" Katara said folding her arms in front of her big brother.
"Why would I do that? Do you not remember what happened last time? " sokka confusedly asked.
"Yes I do. You do?"
"Exactly my boys were just born and Suki just started to actually have conversations with me again... why would I even mess that up now?" Sokka kept slipping his drink not paying his sister any mind
"Sokka you need to think... what happens after a night of what happens "
Sokka looked up at his little sister, his mind not following what she was saying
Katara took in a deep breath
"Toph looked great tonight, she says she been craving fruit a lot"
"Ooook?" Sokka questioned his arms spread wide.
"And can't stand the taste of meat"
"But Toph loves meat" sokka eyebrows contributed to a confused look.
Katara slammed her hand on the table
"Exactly, what can make a women not want to eat something she normally love"
Katara looked seriously at sokka until it clicked.
"Hey you"
Suki and Faia ran up to Katara grabbing her arm
"Sorry Sokka we're stealing her now" Suki said laughing. Sokka was lefted with the realization of what his action extended to from that night.
He admitted to himself that he always had a pull towards Toph he couldn't explain, and while that night was blissfully and amazing he just didn't know if he could face Suki with what might be true.
"Where are you taking me?" Katara questioned as she was being carried in the halls of the Palace.
"It's your wedding night and this is customary to be dragged to your room by your wedding party"
"Then where's Azula? Or Ursa ?"
"I don't think Zuko mother or sister wants to have part in having him bed his new wife" Suki laughed as katara cheeks blushed.
Faia opened the door of Zuko and Katara new room. There was fresh flowers flooded all around them in the sitting area.
"Wow" Faia whispered to herself
"I got this for you to wear" Suki grinned while handing Katara a flat rectangle box.
Katara opened the box to pull out a sheer red dress.
"Suki I can't wear this!" Katara blushed
"Oh come on katara it's not like you haven't seduced the mighty Fire Lord before." Suki teased.
Katara cheeks now blushed with embarrassment but tonight was different it was her wedding night. She couldn't be so forward on her wedding night?
"Faia what do you think"
"Me?" Faia questioned. Katara nodded looking for her answered. Faia walked closer looking at the sheer fabric.
"I think you should do it" Faia nodded.