blame it on me
"Lady Katara," The man bowed deeply in reverence. "I've arrived a bit early, is it possible we could conduct our meeting now, if you're free?"
Katara froze, panic gripping her. She'd completely forgotten about the meeting with the minister. She was woefully unprepared for it. She hadn't organized any notes, hadn't done her proper research. How could she make a good impression if she was a total buffoon at this meeting?
She was the new Fire Lady of these people- she had to make a good impression. She couldn't afford not to. Zuko couldn't afford it either.
Katara hesitated, her mind searching for some reason to turn the minister down.
"I'm sorry, Minister Fao. But I've scheduled a long lunch date with my beautiful bride. Could I offer you a tour through the capital meanwhile?"
Katara tried not to show her shoulders sagging with relief at Zuko's voice. Nice save. She discreetly squeezed his hand in appreciation as he stood next to her.
Minister Fao bowed deeply. "How very kind of you, Fire Lord. Please, don't let me intrude on a newly married couple." He grinned at them.
"Lin." Zuko called, and an assistant appeared seemingly from thin air. "Get Minister Fao a carriage to tour the city, feel free to stop anywhere you'd like for lunch, on me of course." Zuko smiled kindly. "Lin will retrieve you from the foyer when the carriage is ready, please, go enjoy some tea and relax from your travels."
The minister smiled again, thanking Zuko as he left.
"Lin, take the longest tour. Keep him out for two hours minimum. And cancel my next meeting. Blame it on me, that I'd like to spend some quality time with my lovely wife."
Katara flushed slightly, smiling at him. She loved when he said such nice things about her to everyone and anyone, unashamed to show how much he cherished his wife. And how he would always take the fall for her.
Once the assistant had left them, Katara let out a huge breath of relief. "Oh, thank you."
Zuko chuckled, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I could tell from the look on your face that you were panicking. Not ready?"
Katara whined, thumping her forehead on his chest. "I forgot all about it!
"Well then, let's grab some food and go to the library. I'll help you prepare."
She raised on her tiptoes to kiss his scarred cheek. "You're the best husband ever, did I tell you that yet?"
He smirked, his arm wrapping possessively around her thin waist. "Feel free to tell me as much as you'd like."
"Or better yet I could show you." Katara whispered suggestively in his ear.
Zuko pushed her shoulders back reluctantly, "As very tempting as that sounds, we're preparing your presentation first. We can only buy so much time."
Katara winked at him, "You're right... Later then, hot stuff."