First of all, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for your support but also your patience.
This chapter was supposed to be posted back in January but then life got the better of me and I was unable to fulfill that commitment. I had hoped to post it in February but then Texas (where I live) was hit with a massive ice storm and that caused some other problems. And again life got crazy.
I think trying to prepare a chapter a month is a little ambitious for this season of my life. I have made this promise before but I'll make it again, this story will get finished at some point! But at this moment in time, I think to set expectations I will say to look for a new chapter every other month. I promise to do better on keeping my Instagram JustAGirlWhoLikesToRead_ updated so you can be aware of when a new chapter will be posted.
Thank you to everyone who has left a review! I haven't had a chance to go through all the reviews but I hope this week and next week I'll be able to catch up by responding to all of them. I also will say that since sneak peeks did not happen for this chapter, I will be sending a longer sneak peek for those of you who reviewed the last chapter and this chapter.
I know so many of you have been following this story from the beginning and I had hoped to have it already finished by now but since writing is not my real job and since going back to school it's just not possible for me to keep my previous schedule. Thank you all for your support and patience, again! I so appreciate you!
I hope this chapter makes up for my absence! Happy reading!
Chapter 25
The Fire Lord watched as the ship docked in the mass of dark waves. He was grateful Malu and Akio came to wake him for their visitor. Thankfully Katara was still fast asleep in their bed, her pregnancy was taking its toll on her. During the first few months, the only time she hadn't been sick was when she was sleeping. And now the waterbender spent most of the day sleeping she was so exhausted.
"Zuko," the chieftain greeted as he stepped onto Fire Nation soil. He held out his arm and the greeting was instantly reciprocated. Unknown to his wife, Zuko had sent a letter requesting her father to travel and stay in the Fire Nation for the duration of her pregnancy. He figured his wife needed the support of her family.
"Hakoda, thank you for coming," the firebender said to his father-in-law. He turned to greet the next man. "Good to see you Bato. If we had known the news before you left we would have had you stay in the Fire Nation."
"We didn't mind the journey," Hakoda brushed off the apology. His arm wrapped around his lover's waist. "Besides we are just thrilled to be welcoming a new grandchild."
"Congratulations Zuko," Bato told the young monarch with a grin. The warrior draped his arm around the chieftain's shoulders. "As happy as we are, we know you must be overjoyed at the news."
"Thank you, Bato," he nodded his head at the man. The two tribesmen had made the journey in almost half the time; going so far as to travel on a cargo ship from Omashu to Merchant's pier before the Fire Lord's Flagship met them. "Let's get you back to the palace, I hope you don't mind the Komodo rhinos."
"I have to say both Koda and I during the war had the urge to ride one. Guess we finally have the chance," the warrior confessed to the Fire Lord as they all mounted the rhinos. Zuko threw Bato a playful grin over his shoulder.
"How is my daughter doing?" Hakoda questioned once they began their journey toward the palace.
The firebender sighed heavily, his eyes never straying from the path he was leading the men on. "Her pregnancy has been difficult, I will not lie."
"Difficult?" The chieftain turned to look at the young monarch. He didn't doubt the man's ability to take care of Katara. But she was his daughter and the tribesman knew the struggle of bearing a child. He remembered that Kya had a harder pregnancy with Katara than with Sokka.
"The midwife is not concerned, though Katara was sick constantly the first few weeks," Zuko mumbled as he ran a hand through his hair. "And she's extremely exhausted most of the time now."
"Carrying and birthing a child takes much energy," Bato comforted his lover and son-in-law. "It is good she is resting while she can. Don't worry unless the midwife tells you."
"I'm afraid I will only stop worrying once the babe is born," the Fire Nation sovereign mumbled looking down at the reins in his hands. Until his child was in his arms and his wife had recovered from the birth, his anxiety would be high.
Hakoda and Bato exchanged a look with each other, both recognized Zuko and Katara need them more than they thought. It was good they had traveled to the Fire Nation.
The men rode the rest of the way through the dark cobblestone streets of Caldera in silence. Once the party had arrived within the outer walls of the palace the tribesmen were escorted by Jiang to their room within the family wing.
Across the way, the Fire Lord entered his bedchamber and readied himself for bed. Zuko looked at Katara as he tied his sleep pants, she was laying on her side facing away from him. He quickly slipped underneath the red silk sheets and pulled his wife close to him. His arm wrapped around her and his hand went to rest on her baby bump, he was pleased to feel a soft nudge against him.
"Zuko?" The waterbender's voice was soft and raspy though her husband could sense an undertone of panic. Her body instantly stiffened as the unknown person moved closer to her. She shifted slightly away from him.
"Shh, it's me," her husband comforted, he hated leaving her. Her posture relaxed and she snuggled closer to the warm body behind her. "I didn't mean to wake you, everything is fine. We'll talk in the morning."
"Where were you?" Even through the heaviness of sleep, he heard her frustration and worry at being left alone. The Fire Lady still carried so much fear from the assassination attempt in the summer. And the continuing threats had prolonged her anxieties.
"I just had to check on something," Zuko whispered, placing a kiss on her temple. He pressed his lips to her ear. "Go back to sleep Katara, the baby needs you to rest."
"Don't leave me," she whimpered before succumbing to sleep.
"Never, I got you." He pulled her tightly against him and counted her breaths allowing them to soothe his own worry until sleep overcame him.
"Little tiger seal," Hakoda whispered as he clutched his daughter to his chest. She pressed her cheek against him as they embraced.
"Dad, I missed you," she replied still holding tight to him. Katara hadn't realized how much she wanted her father until she had seen him. She took a deep breath and the scent of home overwhelmed her.
"I missed you too," the chieftain placed a kiss on the top of her head. Zuko was an incredible husband to his daughter, but he still worried about her living alone in the Fire Nation.
The waterbender finally released her father and moved to greet her stepfather. The two embraced similarly though for a shorter time frame. "I'm glad you're here Bato."
"We wouldn't miss this for anything," the warrior reassured her as she pulled away from him. He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, "You look radiant Katara."
"Thank you, Bato!" Her answering smile showcased how truly and well-loved she was.
"Let's not stand around, have a seat," Zuko gestured toward the table where breakfast had been laid out. A little bit of shuffling had the group seated around the family dining room ready to enjoy the meal with each other.
"Is that where you ran away to last night?" Katara raised one eyebrow as she looked at her husband. The dots finally connected in her head.
"Guilty," the Fire Lord replied placing a quick kiss on the tip of her nose before turning back to the tribesmen.
"As happy as I am to see you, what are you both doing here?" The waterbender asked as the servants began to serve tea. Before Hakoda could answer Azula walked into the room with Piandao.
"I thought you had already had breakfast," the Fire Nation Princess commented as she took a seat. The sword master pulled out her chair before moving to sit next to her.
Katara's eyes zeroed in on the interaction between master and student.
"We skipped training today," the Fire Lord informed his sister. He was not unaware of the accusatory tone his sister had taken. "Katara needs her rest and I was out late to welcome Hakoda and Bato."
"Katara gets to skip training because she is carrying a baby, but you are going to get soft Zuzu," Azula brushed some hair out of her face. She turned to face the tribesmen, "Good to see you Hakoda, Bato."
"Hello Azula," Bato replied with a nod while the chieftain smiled at the young woman.
"Dad, you didn't answer my question, what are you doing here?" Katara interrupted she was curious why her father had essentially returned to the Fire Nation after only being home for a fortnight.
"Zuko invited us when we learned of your pregnancy," Hakoda commented easily as he accepted the serving plate of fire cakes from his lover. The chieftain's eyes never met his daughters.
The Fire Lord placed some fruit on his wife's plate avoiding adding anything to the conversation. "Don't forget that Shinju wanted you to increase your fruit intake. She said it was important for the baby's development."
She looked at her plate and ignored the clear avoidance of her question. The waterbender knew if she wanted answers the best way to get them was from her husband in their bedroom.
"How were your travels Hakoda?" Piandao asked the tribesman.
"They were well, Zuko sent his flagship," the Southern Chief told the sword master. He could sense some odd energy between the table. He was unsure if it was from his surprise arrival or the arrival of the sword master and Fire Nation Princess.
"A beautiful ship, different than the Water Tribe but no less spectacular," Bato agreed, trying to make ideal conversation. "We are both thrilled to be here for Katara's pregnancy."
"How did the council react to the news?" Hakoda turned to look at his daughter.
"Very well," Katara mumbled as she looked down at the food on her plate. She was trying to ignore the demand for a firebender throughout the entire royal court. Zuko kept assuring her that all he wanted was a healthy child but her fears were still simmering in her belly.
"The court is ecstatic that she is pregnant," Azula commented before taking a bite of food. She knew that her sister-in-law was constantly worrying about the backlash if she birthed a waterbender. "As am I! I cannot wait to spoil my new niece or nephew."
"You won't spoil my children," Zuko grumbled as he pressed a hand to his wife's belly, and the baby kicked him instantly.
"Of course not, Zuzu, you will do that all on your own," the Fire Nation Princess cooed at her brother. Her eyes twinkled at teasing him.
"You walked into that one," Katara giggled at her husband's facepalm. The baby shifted suddenly, "Oh!"
Everyone turned toward the waterbender as she clutched her stomach, but their eyes were quickly averted to the firebender who was panicking.
"Are you okay? Is the baby okay? Should I get Shinju?" Zuko's questions came out quickly, giving no room for his wife to respond. "Giya, get Shinju!"
"Giya, no," Katara commanded when her husband stopped speaking. She tried to push him away from her. "I'm fine."
The maidservant turned to look at the Fire Lady and then the Fire Lord. She was not used to getting conflicting orders.
"Katara," he grumbled exasperated. He wasn't taking any chances with her pregnancy.
"I'm fine Zuko," the waterbender shot her husband a scathing look. "The baby just shifted quickly and it startled me. Nothing is wrong."
"I would feel better if Shinju looked at you," the Fire Lord argued as he looked at his wife in annoyance. He stood up to seek out the midwife on his own.
"And I would feel better if my husband would trust me," the Fire Lady seethed crossing her arms over her chest. The firebender stopped and stared at her in annoyance. Her hormonal shift combined with her own stubbornness and her husband's short temper was causing more quarrels between the two.
"Zuzu, Katara is fine," Azula defended her sister-in-law. She looked down at her nails, "If there was cause for concern, she would know. She's a master healer, stop being so dramatic and sit down. You are ruining breakfast."
The firebender leaned over and went to say something sarcastic back to his sister but paused when his mother walked into the room.
"Hakoda, I didn't realize you and your partner were staying with us," Ursa greeted the two men as she took her seat on the opposite side of the table. "Always a pleasure to see you both."
"A surprise visit," Bato grinned cheekily.
"A surprise visit yet my husband snuck out of bed to greet them," the waterbender mumbled under her breath with a look at her father. "You ask me that's not much of a surprise."
"Ursa, it is good to see you. Bato and I couldn't resist the opportunity to spend the duration of Katara's pregnancy in the Fire Nation," the Southern chief placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "We want to be sure we can help when needed and shoulder the stress so she can have a safe pregnancy."
The waterbender turned to grin at her father. It was not lost on her or her husband the subtle warning Hakoda was giving.
"Zuko what are you doing standing there and hovering? Sit down," Ursa commanded her son. The Fire Lord immediately sat down, not noticing how the table repressed a giggle at his expense.
The rest of the table continued conversing, catching up with their guests and on Katara's pregnancy. Zuko sat there brooding at his concern being brushed off. And for being scolded by his mother.
Her sapphire eyes watched him for a few minutes before she leaned close to him. "When you pout you get this adorable wrinkle right here," she poked him in the forehead. "It's one of the things I love about you."
Gold eyes met the waterbender's. "Are you sure you are okay?"
"I promise I'm fine, it was just a sudden movement and it surprised me," Katara reassured her husband. "I know you are worried too, just as much as me. There will be times when Shinju is needed and I promise to tell you when that's necessary."
"Okay," Zuko responded, he leaned over and kissed his wife quickly. He placed his hand back on her belly. "Are you up for the council meeting today?"
"I've missed too many during the first few weeks, Zuko," the waterbender reminded him, she placed her hand on top of his. "I'll be fine for the meeting and the rest of the day's activities. Stop worrying so much."
"I'll stop worrying once the baby is born," the Fire Lord countered, he dropped a kiss onto the tip of her nose.
Aang watched the airbenders as they practiced their bending from the top of the cliff. He was amazed at how quickly the children had caught on to their forms.
The Avatar still struggled with what had happened to his entire culture but seeing them come out of hiding brought him so much joy.
His hand absentmindedly stroked the lemur's head. Momo and Appa were enjoying the plethora of fruits the Western Air Temple had available along the cliffside.
"They are strong," Jinju commented as he sat down next to the young monk.
"Yes, they are," Aang agreed moving over slightly so the older man could sit next to him. "In the next week or two, I think a few of them can move to the next level."
"Amazing how even though they had only mastered the basics how quickly they are learning the advanced sets," the older airbender whispered. He watched as his grandchildren worked hard on mastering the element.
"A few have already decided to follow in the footsteps of the monks," the Avatar told him. He was greatly pleased that three of the younger children had already expressed interest in following the footsteps of monasticism.
"Yes, though I worry about our numbers growing still," Jinju confessed softly. Having been brought up in the temples like Aang, he hated discouraging anyone from the life of a monk. But the fact that the airbenders were still such a small people, it was important to think about how many benders wanted to embrace celibacy.
"It might be time to think about creating some laws and regulations," Aang sighed softly. He despised telling anyone what to do, Jinju was right though. They could not have so many men embrace the practice of celibacy that they sacrificed the growth of their people.
"Too much responsibility," the older man whispered with a shake of his head. "I know the Anniversary Summit has passed for this year, but I think next year we will be ready to enter the peace negotiations. Though perhaps one not so jaded from the past should be the one to travel with you."
"There is much wisdom in your words," the Avatar agreed. He had already been vetting some of the older airbenders. One who could move on from the past but still be thoughtful in arranging treaties and trade agreements.
"I know it must feel like a mountain trying to rebuild our culture," Jinju began after a few minutes of observing the teenager. "But you have already done so much and it will come. Don't compare tomorrow to what will be in years."
The older airbender did not wait for Aang to respond, merely stood and made his way back down the temple. It was time the young Avatar needed before he truly would see all that he had done for the Air Nomads.
"I don't get why we had to come to the Eastern Air Temple without Aang," Toph complained to Haru as they began creating the plan to rebuild. The airbender had drawn out a replica of what he could remember and now Haru was left with the task of creating small models so his wife could see what needed to be done.
The male earthbender wrapped his arms around his new wife and she leaned back into his chest. "Are you really upset we are alone?"
She shrugged in response. The truth was she was more annoyed that they had to piece together the rebuild without knowing what the Eastern Temple used to look like. Even with the airbender's drawing for Haru, Toph was skeptical they would do it to the Avatar's standards. She didn't really care that Aang was not there, more she just didn't want to be blamed for something that was not her fault — like her father had been doing for years now.
"I know I'm happy for the alone time, it's not like we had a real opportunity for a honeymoon," Haru placed a kiss on her temple. "Think of this time as just for us."
"Are you upset we didn't tell anyone?" The Blind Bandit questioned softly. She had been thinking of their elopement for some time now. And while she liked not having the pomp and circumstance, she worried about Haru.
"Our wedding was beautiful and I wouldn't change it for the world," he pressed his lips to her ear as he reassured her. "And when the time is right we will tell everyone, but right now I'm just happy I get to keep you forever."
"Zula bug, happy happy birthday," Ursa embraced her daughter briefly before cupping her face and looking into her eyes. The joy was radiating off of her as she looked at her youngest child. "I am so proud of the woman you have become."
"Thanks, mom." The Fire Nation Princess blushed before she turned to move away but was quickly wrapped in another set of arms.
"Happy birthday, Azula!" Katara hugged her sister-in-law tightly. She had spent all week planning the celebratory dinner for her husband's sister. Katara hoped that she had done right by Azula and she would enjoy the celebration.
"Thank you," the Princess replied as she squeezed the waterbender quickly. Azula care deeply for Katara, she was like the sister she never had. After releasing her embrace, she turned to her brother.
"Happy birthday, Zula," the Fire Lord whispered as he hugged his sister. While they both had grown up with lavish parties, neither had actually enjoyed them. "I am honored to call you my sister."
"Thank you, Zuzu," her voice was soft as she held onto her brother. She swallowed the lump in her throat as his pride washed over her. The brother and sister held onto each other a little longer before they pulled away.
Soon everyone was seating themselves around the dinner table. There was a mountain of gifts at Azula's seat. Though as she looked through the cards, the Princess was disappointed not to see one from Piandao. In fact, as she looked around she couldn't find the sword master among the seated parties.
There was her family, the tribesmen, along with Mai and Ty Lee. Her sword master was nowhere to be seen.
Zuko silently observed his sister as she shuffled the gifts around. The disappointment was clear on her face, but he was unsure why.
"Jiang, please let the servers know we are ready," the Fire Lady whispered to the head of the household. Katara seemed to be the only one to notice the Princess's crestfallen face and gave her a quizzical look.
"Is Piandao not coming?" Azula asked her sister-in-law softly. She didn't want to bring attention to the fact she was upset her sword master did not show.
"Your mother arranged for him to have dinner with Lady Xia," the waterbender leaned close to whisper her reply. She placed a hand on Azula's arm in comfort. "I'm not sure exactly about the details, but Ursa is still trying to find him a wife. Though I think she might start looking at male romantic prospects for him if this date isn't successful."
"Oh," the Fire Nation Princess mumbled as she looked down at her plate. She hoped her disappointment didn't show on her face.
Azula couldn't picture Piandao out with the Jr. Minister of Parks and Recreation. If anything she thought the two were ill-matched. Xia was more concerned with finding a husband ahead of her station than the work she took over from her mother on the council. The Fire Nation Princess thought the sword master would be incredibly bored with the noblewoman.
"Zula bug, would you like to open your presents now or after dinner?" Ursa asked from her spot across the table. She wasn't sure what caused her daughter's mood to sour so suddenly.
"Could we do it during dinner? I'm famished," Azula answered with a sheepish smile. She wanted to keep her hands as busy as possible. The Princess could feel her brother's eyes on her. She was not sure of the reason why he was scrutinizing her but she wanted to avoid any suspicion at all costs.
"Of course," her mother replied just as the servants began distributing the meals. Ursa was sure to point out the work that the Fire Lady had put into curating the celebration, "Katara had Jiang make all your favorites."
"Thank you, Katara," Azula told her sister-in-law, just barely resisting rolling her eyes. She knew her mother was trying to make sure she was being respectful and polite. Though it wasn't necessary, Azula had already thanked the waterbender profusely.
"You are very welcome, Azula," the Fire Lady winked at the Princess when no one else was looking. Katara was well aware of how Ursa was overly concerned with propriety.
Throughout dinner, the Fire Nation Princess went through each gift and was surprised at how thoughtful they were. She hadn't expected the group in front of her to know her so well.
Hakoda and Bato had gifted Azula a set of rare paints from Kyoshi. Ty Lee had purchased a collection of the Princess's favorite candies. Ursa had commissioned a set of paintbrushes for her daughter. Katara and Zuko had redone one of Azula's rooms into an art studio for her, which had been showcased earlier in the day.
But the most surprising gift had been from Mai.
As Azula unwrapped the noblewoman's gift, her breath caught in her throat. Her gold eyes flew up to look at her former friend, "Mai? How? I mean — I don't know what to say."
"I meant to give it to you awhile back, but . . ." the noblewoman shrugged as she trailed off. She had hoped Azula would have opened her presents alone. But another part of her wanted to see the Princess's reaction to her gift.
Gold eyes looked down at the piece of jewelry in her hand.
Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee had all purchased a piece of custom jewelry from the same collection when they were children. Azula the necklace, Mai the ring, and Ty Lee the bracelet. The noblewomen only ever removed their pieces when they were in prison, but after their release immediately donned them.
The Fire Nation Princess had never voluntarily removed the necklace but during the war, it had gone missing. When they had trashed the Chan house on Ember Island the clasp had broken. It was something Azula had been extremely upset about, but both Mai and Ty Lee had assured her later that night that their friendship would survive the lost necklace.
Mai gifting the Fire Nation Princess a replica of the necklace was the most significant thing the noblewoman could have done for Azula.
"How did you get it? The jeweler passed away the year after we purchased them," the Princess mumbled as she looked at the necklace. She was surprised at how perfect the replica was.
"It's the original," Mai corrected, she looked down at her plate. The noblewoman took a deep breath and waited for the response.
"But how?"
"You were so upset that night, so early the next morning I went back to Chan's and looked for it," Mai shrugged not meeting Azula's eyes. She scratched her forearm a nervous tick from when she was a child as she continued. "I meant to give it to you once we returned home but so many things happened I forgot. And now just seemed like the right time."
"Thank you, Mai," Azula's voice cracked with emotion as her fingertips clasped the necklace tightly. She blinked back the tears in her eyes. "This means so much to me."
"Here let me help you," Ty Lee shot up and moved to help the Princess secure the piece of jewelry around her neck. The acrobat was thrilled that her lover was trying to repair her relationship with their friend. Ty Lee had missed their trio.
Zuko shot the noblewoman a small smile when no one was looking. Mai had come to him a while back to sort out her feelings about the Princess. The noblewoman had let it slip that she had the necklace in her possession and the monarch had suggested that when she was ready it would be a nice gesture to return it. As well as reestablish the bond between all three friends.
The rest of Azula's birthday dinner went well. Conversation flowed easily and the Princess felt truly re-assimilated into her old life. After thanking each person, Azula made her way to her room with all her gifts in her arms.
She hesitated briefly when she saw a tall figure standing in the shadows by her entryway. It was odd for anyone to get this far into the family wing of the royal palace without being detained, and even more unusual to be awaiting the return of a royal family member.
"Master Piandao, I thought you had an engagement with Lady Xia," the Princess greeted the sword master. She hoped her words didn't sound as bitter as she felt.
"My engagement lasted no longer than thirty minutes and I am not extending an invitation for another one," Piandao explained himself quickly. Though in the back of his mind, he wondered why he felt the need. His stomach sank at hearing her formality.
"Why did you go if you weren't interested?" Azula gestured for him to follow her into her sitting room.
The sword master took a seat as she dropped her gifts onto the table. He had wanted to attend her birthday dinner and had even received an invitation from the Fire Lady, but the Fire Lord's mother had already thrust the engagement with the noblewoman upon him. As loath as he was to dine with Lady Xia, he was a gentleman and would not cancel.
"Saying no to your mother is proving to be harder than I ever imagined," he leaned back in his chair and watched her as she fiddled with the gifts. Piandao was a little surprised that she hadn't noticed the package next to him. "She is determined to find me a wife, though I don't know why."
Azula shrugged, it was something that had plagued her mind for the past few months. And even more so during her birthday dinner, "She thinks highly of you, otherwise, she wouldn't be going through the effort."
"I will take it as a compliment, even though I have no desire or need for a wife," the sword master expressed. He didn't like seeing her so forlorn, "But I do have the desire to give you your present."
Gold eyes flashed to meet his dark ones. She swallowed loudly as she stared at the man in front of her, "I hadn't realized you had the intention of getting me a present."
His mustache twitched as he looked at the Princess. The sword master reached down to grab the package before presenting it to her. "Happy birthday, Azula."
The Princess reverently unwrapped the gift. She lifted the lid of the box to find nestled inside was a wakizashi. The sheath was decorated with the dragon goddess of war depicted in gold paint, the hilt had a hatched pattern for an easy grip. Azula unsheathed the sword and was surprised at how light it was though the steel sparkled with a deadly edge.
"It's beautiful," she whispered as she held the wakizashi. It was lighter and slightly smaller than the katana she had been practicing with for the past few months. "But it's entirely too much. I know it must have cost you a fortune."
"I'm glad you like it. And don't worry about the cost," he resisted the urge to smile. But the corners of his eyes crinkled showcasing his pleasure. Piandao didn't correct her on the fact that he had made the sword and not bought it. "I know we have been using a katana, but a few weeks ago I noticed that you use your smaller reach to your advantage."
"What do you mean?" Azula gave him a confused look as she tried to process what he was trying to communicate.
"Most larger opponents rely on their longer reach and you close that distance," the sword master began explaining. His voice took on the authoritative huskiness she was growing to like. "You shorten that gap and reduce the personal space. Causing taller and larger opponents to fumble, they aren't used to keeping their movements close to them. You are extremely skilled with the katana, but I figured the wakizashi would allow you the ability to keep that advantage."
"I didn't realize I did that," she mumbled looking down at the sword. Her cheeks colored prettily.
"I'm not surprised," Piandao commented as she admired the wakizashi. He had never been worried about someone liking his creation, but as he watched her eyes taken in the sword he became extremely concerned with her opinion. He stood suddenly, his stomach was twisted in knots and the energy in the room was stifling. "Well it's late I should head back to my room."
Azula placed the sword back in the sheath and stood to escort him out of her room. Her gold eyes looked down at her feet. "Thank you for the sword, it's truly beautiful."
"You are welcome Azula," Piandao whispered as he brushed a lock of hair out of her face. Causing her to look up at him. "Happy birthday."
The sword master leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead before taking his leave.
Hakoda was trying to find his way to the kitchens. As often as he had visited, the Fire Nation palace was still a bit of a mystery to the tribesman. He finally found it and was surprised to find a light on with a man hunched over sitting at the counter.
"Zuko?" The chieftain questioned as he moved closer to his son-in-law.
The young monarch's head snapped up to take the tribesman. "Hakoda, is everything alright?"
"I think I should be asking you that, I was just looking for a midnight snack," he replied as he moved to sit next to the firebender.
Zuko reached behind him and pulled over a covered plate. "Jiang always makes sure there are some snacks readily available."
"Thank you," the tribesman accepted the plate easily. He uncovered it to find a plethora of tea sandwiches and snack cakes. Hakoda was able to take in the glass of fire whisky in front of the firebender. "So why are you up so late?"
The young Fire Lord scrubbed a hand over his face. "We're having a baby."
"Yes, you are," the chieftain mumbled trying not to laugh before he took a bite out of one of the snack cakes. He had a feeling there was more that his son-in-law wanted to say, so instead of continuing Hakoda waited.
Zuko looked down into his glass of liquor. He wasn't sure how to express his emotions and he didn't want to burden Katara. She was plagued with her own worries and she had the responsibility of carrying their child. The firebender sighed heavily, "My father was not good, in fact, he was probably the worst parent someone could have. I worry about turning into him."
"Ahh," Hakoda nodded as heard the fear in Zuko's voice. He wasn't surprised at the revelation.
"I don't know what I'm doing," the firebender mumbled before taking a deep swallow of his drink.
"Well first off, this will not solve your problems only make them worse," the tribesman took the glass out of Zuko's hands. "Word of advice never drink liquor when you're upset. Why don't I make you some tea?"
"No I can do it, it will be good for me to keep my hands busy," Zuko explained as he stood. He knew his father-in-law was right about the whisky.
"At some point in time every man worries about being a good father," Hakoda began as the firebender started the tea. "The fact that you are worrying shows you will be a good one."
"Yes, but it's in my blood to turn into a terrible one," the Fire Lord mumbled as he poured each of them a cup of tea. "And I don't want to burn my child, like Ozai did to me."
He meant for the words to be said under his breath but he wasn't counting on his father-in-law's keen sense of hearing.
"What do you mean like Ozai did to you?" The chieftain's eyes were a stormy blue as he looked at the monarch.
Zuko couldn't help but notice the similarity between Hakoda and Katara as the tribesman looked at him. The firebender sat down and refused to meet the man's eyes. "I thought Katara would have told you."
"My daughter wouldn't tell me something that she learned in confidence."
"I know," Zuko rested his head in his hands. His stomach roiled at the thought of explaining to the Southern Chief how he received his scar.
Hakoda continued to eat his midnight snack in silence waiting for the Fire Lord to build up the courage to explain what he was really worried about.
"When I was thirteen my father burned me publicly because I spoke out of turn in a war meeting," the firebender whispered. His words came out quickly, he wanted the explanation over with as fast as possible.
"An unfair punishment," the tribesman shook his head. He had never given much thought to how Zuko received the scar, but Hakoda hadn't expected it to be deliberate. Or that it was by the hand of his father.
"Ozai and unfair went hand in hand," the Fire Lord muttered bitterly. While he had worked through most of his trauma that night on the roof with Katara, that didn't mean he didn't struggle with what had happened to him.
"You are not your father, Zuko," Hakoda began softly. Memories of the war came to the forefront of his mind. "I've met Ozai and I was held prisoner by the Fire Nation. I know how terrible your father was. But you are not him."
"I used to think my father was good, I have a handful of memories from before I was six that were positive. But then everything changed. I used to believe that my birth and existence is what made him so cruel," the firebender admitted softly. He looked down at his tea, seeing his reflection in the liquid. The scar was obscured by the steam billowing off of the cup.
"A child does not make a parent abusive," the chieftain comforted his son-in-law. "That comes from something inside them, but you don't have that. And the man you should focus on as your father was Iroh."
"I know," the firebender sighed as he looked up at the tribesman. "Everything I do is to make him and Katara proud."
"You are making them proud, my daughter writes me long letters about everything you do," Hakoda continued in the quiet kitchen. "Her pride is palpable through her words."
"She tells me she's proud of me almost every day," the firebender's gold eyes held a small twinkle as he thought of his wife.
"And Iroh," the chieftain shook his softly as he thought of the old general. "When he speaks about you, his entire face lights up. His pride is contagious and the longer you lead your nation the more you remind me of your Uncle. I don't doubt your ability to be an incredible father and neither should you."
Zuko looked into the blue eyes that were so much like his wife's for a few minutes before nodding. "Thank you Hakoda."
Across the palace, Katara half-asleep reached for her husband only to find the sheets cold. The waterbender turned to her other side and tried to wait up for her husband but by the time he returned, she was fast asleep, never knowing how lonely she felt by his absence.
The Fire Lady delicately unwrapped the gift that her sister-in-law presented to her. She could feel all of the noblewomen's eyes on her.
Katara and all the women of the royal court were gathered in the gardens for a luncheon celebrating her pregnancy. It was customary in the Fire Nation to host an event for the mother to celebrate the baby. While the tribeswoman tended to not appreciate each and every event that was required of her, this was one she enjoyed.
Along with the party came a plethora of wrapped packages. So far most of the gifts had been for the baby. The Fire Lady had lost count of the amount of baby clothes, blankets, and stuffed dragons that had been gifted.
But as the waterbender tore the paper off of the rather large gift in her hand she had a feeling this one was for her.
"Azula," Katara's voice came out breathy expressing her awe. Her sapphire eyes took in each and every detail. "It's beautiful!"
Every woman in the garden tried to take a peek at the gift. No one else's gift had elicited such a reaction from the monarch. Finally, the Fire Lady turned it to show the crowd.
In her hands was a large painting of the Fire Nation royal couple in the family's private garden underneath the cherry blossoms.
Zuko was sitting with his back to the tree, his legs outstretched in front of him. Katara was laying on her back with her head in his lap and her legs bent. He had one hand on her baby bump, the other was placing a cherry blossom in her hair. The waterbender's eyes were closed a content smile on her face with both hands on her belly. Zuko was looking down at his wife, the love and bliss clearly shown on his face. The pond and turtle ducks were included at the base of the painting. Azula had included a few falling cherry blossoms around the scenery, along with a few in the pond.
The painting was breathtaking, the waterbender thought to herself. Her sister-in-law didn't know it then, but when she had come across them that day it was the first time the couple had felt the baby kick.
"I'm glad you like it," the Princess replied as she watched the noblewoman admire the artwork.
"It's so lovely. Who did you commission?" One of the noblewomen asked the Princess as she admired the work. It took everything in Azula to not respond negatively back to the woman.
All afternoon the Fire Nation Princess had been hearing small snide comments about Katara and the baby. Most of the royal court could not help themselves when it came to criticizing the Fire Lady. While the rest of the Fire Nation had fallen in love with the waterbender, most of the noblewomen were still scorned because they or their daughters had not been chosen as a bride by the Fire Lord.
"She didn't have it commissioned," the Fire Lady interjected when she saw Azula's eyes narrow. The pride was palpable as the monarch continued, "Azula painted it. I didn't even know you had seen us."
"Well, I didn't want you to know. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a surprise," the Princess smirked at the waterbender. She was still a little offended that the noblewoman didn't think her capable of creating the art. "I figured you could hang it in the nursery for the baby."
"Oh, Azula! I love that idea," Katara quickly stood and wrapped her sister-in-law in a fierce hug. "Thank you."
The Fire Lady was fussed over a few minutes later to continue opening the gifts that had been presented to her. But it was obvious to everyone watching, the favorite of the gifts was Azula's.
"Your painting came out wonderfully," Ursa told her daughter as she joined her off to the side. She was not okay with her daughter's talent being ignored. "I knew it would."
"Thank you," she replied picking at the tablecloth. The Princess wanted to be here to celebrate Katara and the baby, but she hated interacting with the women of the royal court.
"I'm sure Katara wouldn't mind if you wanted to go train," her mother commented after a few minutes. She could see her daughter itching to leave the gardens. Frankly, Ursa was also exhausted from the commentary that was ongoing through the noblewomen. Though she would never admit it to anyone.
"I would hate to leave her to the lion vultures alone," Azula mumbled as she looked over at her sister-in-law. She was always amazed at how Katara was able to separate and control her temper when it came to the women of the royal court. Especially since she knew how often Katara and Zuko lost their tempers with each other, though they never stayed mad at each other long.
"She is hardly alone, Azula," Ursa resisted the urge to reprimand her daughter. "But if you would like to stay I won't stop you. Though I did hear Master Piandao challenge Bato to a sparring match, I just thought you would like to watch."
The Princess's ears perked up at the mention of her sword master. Her mother was right, she would much prefer to watch the match than stay and entertain the women of the court.
"If you don't think she would mind then I'll go watch," Azula stood looking around the gardens for the fastest escape. The Princess quickly left, avoiding all goodbyes, and made her way to the training arena.
She was welcomed by the sight of her sword master in a deep sparring match with the tribesman. The Fire Nation Princess took a seat in the arena, her gold eyes glued to the form of Piandao as he skillfully sparred his opponent.
The sword master could feel her eyes on him, his body always knew when she was around. Something he had been noticing since they danced together during the Anniversary Summit. Piandao made sure his next move was showy for the Princess. He could practically hear her gasp from across the training arena.
Azula was enthralled as she watched the two men battle. She held her breath each time Bato looked to get the upper hand. The Princess was fascinated by the way Piandao moved through each move he made. His display of skill sent a shiver of pleasure down her spine.
The two men batted for an hour before Piandao knocked the tribesman's sword out of his hand causing him to fall backward. Effectively rendering the sword master as the victor.
"You got me this time," Bato chuckled as he accepted the offered hand. "Rematch tomorrow?"
"It's a deal." Piandao grinned as he pulled up the edge of his shirt to wipe the sweat from his face. He enjoyed sparring with Bato and Hakoda, both had joined him for his own personal practice.
The Fire Nation Princess sucked in a breath through her teeth as her eyes zeroed in on the chiseled lower torso of the sword master. She could see the glistening of sweat dripping down his stomach. His skin was lightly tanned and he was covered in lean muscle. There was a light trail of dark hair that started at his navel and dipped below his training pants.
Azula could feel the saliva pooling in her mouth and swallowed noisily. Piandao pulled his shirt down and her gold eyes followed the motion until she met his dark eyes. The sword master raised one eyebrow at the Princess, a small smirk crossing his face. Her cheeks turned a rosy color at being caught staring. She immediately looked away.
"Looks like your student is eager for a lesson," Bato commented bringing the sword master out of his thoughts.
"More like she was eager to escape the tea party," Piandao mumbled as he looked at Azula. She was doing everything in her power not to look at him.
"Ah, right, Katara mentioned the event this morning at breakfast," the tribesman nodded as he remembered the conversation. "Seems like a nice tradition for the expectant mother."
"It is, but Azula isn't a fan of the noblewomen," the sword master explained as he observed the young woman. She looked beautiful, he thought. "The frivolousness is not her style."
"Cannot say I blame her," the warrior agreed. "Katara has mentioned on more than one occasion the superficial conversations of the royal court—"
"If you'll excuse me," Piandao interrupted the tribesman before walking toward the Princess. His dark eyes took in her form slowly as he moved to stand in front of her, "Hello Azula."
"Hello Piandao," she looked up at him from beneath her lashes. "Congratulations on your victory."
"Thank you," he nodded in response, the edges of his eyes crinkling. "How was the tea for Katara?"
"It was fine, there were countless speculations on whether she will birth a firebender," the Princess responded with a shrug. "But the presents were thoughtful for the most part, I'm sure that was my mother's doing."
"Did she like your painting?" He had been the only one to see the artwork while she worked on it. The project had taken her almost a month to perfect and Piandao had sat with her many days to keep her company as she worked.
"She did," Azula grinned as she thought of her sister-in-law's reaction to her gift.
"I'm sure it will look lovely in the nursery," the sword master told her.
"Thank you."
"If you are feeling up for it, perhaps you might want to join me while I finish my own training," Piandao offered his voice gravely from the exertion. He found himself desperate for her to say yes.
"I would like that," the Fire Nation Princess licked her lips, missing how his eyes followed the action. "Give me ten minutes to change?"
"Of course," the sword master nodded.
Less than ten minutes later the teacher and student were training together. Unaware of how Bato was watching their every interaction.
Her eyes fluttered closed and she melted into his arms. He placed a kiss on her mouth, softly like he had been doing it for years. Then another before he deepened their kiss.
She could feel his hands trailing up her ribcage and his fingertips brushing the underside of her breasts. Goosebumps littered her skin as he sensually touched her body.
A calloused hand moved to cup her breast as the other slid down her body until he reached the back of her knee. As his mouth continued to explore hers, he coaxed her leg to bend before wrapping it around his waist.
Her covered core was pressing against him and she rocked her hips seeking the friction she desperately needed. He groaned harshly into her mouth at the action. His teeth nipped her bottom lip in punishment before soothing it with his tongue.
The hand holding her breast moved to roll her nipple between his fingertips and he pressed their bodies closer together. His other hand moved to tangle in her hair and pull her mouth closer to his.
He pressed his pelvis into her cloth-covered core, adding to the friction she was striving for. Her body reacted in kind and she moaned into his mouth as she felt herself getting wetter. She wrapped her other leg around him and tried to push herself even closer to him.
All too soon he pulled away the two of the gasping for breath. He rested his forehead against hers, breath fanning across her face.
"Azula, little one," Piandao whispered.
The Fire Nation Princess woke suddenly, her body tingling from the dream.
She pressed a hand to her lips, shocked that her own imagination could conjure such a feeling in her. Azula laid there for a few more minutes before finally pulling herself out of bed. Her limbs felt like jelly as she stumbled her way to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face.
"Princess Azula, you'll be late for your training," Lian called softly as she laid out the young royal's clothes. It was unlike the Princess to sleep so late and the maidservant grew worried that the young royal perhaps had fallen ill.
"Right of course, thank you, Lian," she mumbled in response. Azula splashed her face one more time with cold water before braiding her hair and dressing for the day. She wasn't sure how she was going to face the sword master after her dream.
"Good morning Azula," Piandao greeted as she walked into the training arena. He took in her flushed appearance and instantly became worried.
"Good morning," her voice was hoarse and she cleared her throat. She felt as if he could tell she had an erotic dream about him.
"Are you feeling all right?" The concern was easy to hear in his voice. His dark eyes scanned her briefly.
"Yes," she nodded quickly. Her gold eyes shifted to look away from him. "Just woke up late and was rushing to get here."
The sword master hummed in acceptance, he could clearly see something was bothering her. But if she didn't want to tell him, he wouldn't push her. "Why don't we just focus on conditioning work for today? We will run and do some strength training then meditate."
"Whatever you think is best," Azula replied but her shoulders sagged in relief. She wasn't sure how she was going to handle sparring with him and now she didn't have to.
The teacher and student quickly began their training in a quiet atmosphere. Other than a few instructions the two worked quietly side by side. The longer they trained the more relaxed the Princess became in his presence. By the time they finished their meditation, Azula was feeling much better.
"You did a good job today," the sword master complimented his student as he held out his hand to help her off the ground. It was something he had done every time they trained and it had become instinctual now.
"Thank you," she mumbled. Her gold eyes stared a moment too long at his calloused hand before grasping it.
"I'll see you at breakfast?" He asked her after she stood, and he noticed that she released his hand quickly.
"No, I'm sorry," Azula quickly lied. Just feeling her hand in his brought back the memory of the dream she had. "I promised my mother I would meet with her this morning."
"Of course," Piandao nodded. He tried not to let his disappointment show at not only her absence but at the fact she was lying to him. The sword master hoped he had not done anything to offend the Princess. "I'll see you tomorrow then."
"See you tomorrow," she mumbled before taking her to leave. Azula could not leave the arena fast enough. The longer she stood there the more she thought about her dream and the events that would have followed had she not woken. It was becoming too much for her.
"I was hoping you would do me a favor," Katara began as she passed her sister-in-law a plate filled with tea cakes. They were currently in Azula's private sitting room enjoying their afternoon tea.
"So that's why you asked me to have tea with you," the Princess lifted a perfect eyebrow as accepted the dish. "And I thought it was for my sparkling personality."
The waterbender rolled her eyes. "While I do enjoy your company, I did have something I wanted to ask you."
"Okay."
"You probably noticed that Zuko hasn't done his portrait yet," Katara began as she adjusted the napkin on her lap. "He is self-conscious of someone painting his scar, but you captured it so beautifully. And I was hoping you would do it for him."
"Oh really?" The Princess made eye contact with the Fire Lady. Never in a million years had she expected this type of request from her sister-in-law.
"I think it would mean a lot to him if you did it," the waterbender commented.
"I don't know if I could have Zuko sit for that long without getting on his nerves," Azula mumbled as she picked up one of the cakes on her plate.
"So don't have him sit for it," Katara shrugged. As she played with a loose string on her formal robes. "It's not like you don't know what he looks like or his mannerisms."
Azula was about to protest how much harder it was to paint someone who didn't pose but paused as she watched her sister-in-law. "You don't want him to know?"
"His portrait has been a point of tension between the two of us," the waterbender played with her engagement ring. She shrugged evasively, "I want him to embrace the publicity of being Fire Lord and have his portrait hung. But he still struggles with being labeled the banished prince."
"That's not who he is," Azula mumbled. Her gold eyes looked down into her teacup briefly. She hated that she had exaggerated some of Zuko's pain through the war but she couldn't change what happened. But just maybe she could heal some of the turmoil she had caused.
"It's still how some people see him, including the royal painter," Katara looked down at her hands. It had taken months to find out the reason Zuko hadn't had his portrait hung. The former royal painter had butchered the portrait and his scar; using it as an opportunity to show his dislike for the Fire Lord.
"Oh really?" The Princess's eyes were far away. To think that someone had taken her brother's scar and weaponized it made her blood boil. "I'll do it. Give me a few weeks to get a base sketch for you to approve and then I'll start."
"Thank you, Azula!" The waterbender's gratitude was contagious. "Now that is out of the way, why don't you tell me about you and Piandao?"
Azula jerked suddenly to look at her sister-in-law. Her cheeks colored as her dream was brought to the forefront of her mind. "What about Piandao and me?"
"Your swordsmanship lessons of course," Katara gave the woman a quizzical look. She hesitated, she wanted to see how much her sister-in-law would admit. "Unless there is something else you want to discuss about you and Piandao?"
"No of course not," she looked away from the waterbender.
"Azula."
The Fire Nation Princess met the sapphire eyes of the Fire Lady briefly before looking down. Her index finger circled the rim of her teacup, her voice soft and husky as she finally voiced the truth. "I think I'm falling in love with him."
"From what I have seen, I think you are past falling," Katara replied trying to catch Azula's eye. She rested a hand on her baby bump as she waited for her sister to continue her confession.
The Princess looked up at her sister-in-law. "I don't know what to do. He's my teacher and almost twenty years older than me."
"What do you want to do?"
"Honestly, all I can think about is kissing him," her cheeks turned pink as she confessed her feelings to the waterbender. She dared not voice the deeper and dark erotic thoughts.
"For years I had those thoughts about your brother," the waterbender chuckled. She knew without Azula telling her. "And then came the dreams. It was so hard once we were engaged."
"Zuzu had those thoughts too, he never told me but sometimes I would see him get this look on his face. It reminded me of when I saw you two kiss during the comet," Azula told her sister-in-law. It made her feel better she wasn't alone in her experience. "I understand your struggle now. Whenever I see Piandao my mind goes blank and then all I'm thinking about is his mouth on mine. But it could never work."
"And why is that?" Katara placed her feet under her as she looked at Azula.
"Because he's my teacher and almost twenty years older than me," the Princess repeated gesturing wildly. "The royal court would have a field day as would the gossip scrolls."
The Fire Lady noticed how Azula didn't mention Piandao's lack of feelings for her. It was clear she suspected at least some form of affection from her sword master. But that fact was not what Katara wanted to focus on.
"Azula are you worried that Zuko wouldn't approve?" The waterbender asked the woman delicately.
Gold eyes met sapphire, the Fire Nation Princess slowly nodded before looking away. "I just want him to be proud of me."
"He is proud of you Azula and who you choose to love could never affect that," Katara comforted. She knew in her heart that Zuko would approve no matter what, even if she had to withhold sex.
"But the scandal it would cause for me to be with a man that much older," Azula looked down at her hands. "I don't want to put him through that. He's already been through so much."
"Azula, you cannot help who you fall in love with," the Fire Lady moved toward her sister-in-law and placed a comforting hand on her knee. "Don't worry about the scandal, it doesn't matter. All that matters is your happiness and your brother agrees with me. We only want what's best for you."
"My mother would disapprove, she already is hoping to introduce Piandao to the prefect wife from the royal court," the Princess mumbled looking away. She knew that she couldn't be bitter that her mother was trying to set up the sword master. Ursa had no knowledge of her daughter's feelings.
"Your mother is just trying to stay busy," the waterbender defended the woman delicately. While Azula and Ursa had made massive strides in their relationship, things were still a bit rocky at times. "And I know she likes Piandao immensely, I don't think she would have any objections if he pursued you."
The Princess sighed, looking out one of the windows. She struggled with her station. It would be improper of her to pursue a man considering her title. But she didn't think Piandao would ever come to her unless he knew of her feelings. And that was only if he reciprocated the emotion.
"He probably doesn't feel the same way, he is my teacher and I'm his student," Azula turned back to her sister-in-law. "Piandao is much too proper to have any feelings for me. But maybe it is time I start at least entertaining the idea of being courted."
"I think that's a wonderful idea," Katara grinned at her. "Why don't I speak to Zuko and we can accumulate a list of suitors?"
Azula nodded before turning to look back out the window. She was falling hard for Piandao but she doubted her sword master felt the same way. The best way for her to get over him and move on with her life was to begin courting. After all the whispers had begun about her age and lack of suitors, it would help quell the palace gossip and hopefully help her move on.
Bato placed the plate filled with the waterbender's abandoned dinner on the ground next to her as he joined her in the royal family's private garden.
"You need to keep your strength," the tribesman commented as he sat down next to his stepdaughter. "He didn't mean it that way, Katara."
"I know which is why I left instead of responding," Katara replied. She ignored the plate and continued to pick at the grass.
She had stormed out of their family dinner when Zuko had brought up how his advisors had met with him on the basis of concern the baby could be a waterbender. It was something that had been plaguing the Fire Lady for months now and even prior to her pregnancy. So hearing her husband state he was thinking of not announcing his heir until after they stopped having children irked her. Adding fuel to the fire was that this was the first time Zuko had shown up for dinner this week and Katara was feeling bitter about his absence.
"If you would have stayed you would have heard him say he had no intention of passing over his firstborn for the crown unless it was their choice," the warrior tried to comfort her.
"This is a conversation we have been having since before our wedding," she brushed the hair out of her face. Choosing to ignore her feelings of abandonment she focused on her unborn child. "I just hate that in the Fire Nation, my child would be looked down upon because of their bending."
"It is much more complicated than that and you know it," Bato scolded her gently. "If you were not carrying the heir to the throne this wouldn't even be a conversation. But the fact is that you are and that makes this complicated. If the roles were reversed would you expect our tribe to be ruled by a firebender even if they were half Water Tribe?"
She sighed heavily and placed the plate of food on her lap. Katara had never truly flipped the roles in her mind, but she could see the point. "I really do understand the concern. And how important it is for the leader to be a strong firebender, as well as how difficult it would be for a waterbender to be Fire Lord. But it's just . . ."
"You love your child and don't want anyone thinking badly of them," he supplied for her as she trailed off.
"Yeah," she nodded looking down at the plate in her lap. The waterbender picked up the chopsticks and moved the food around. "I just want the best for them and I want them to have their birthright."
"And they will, but right now isn't the time politically for Zuko to fight this," the tribesman reminded her. "You know how important it is to finesse the royal court and the royal advisors."
The Fire Lady pouted not wanting to admit that her step-father was right. In all honesty, she was surprised it had taken this long for the royal advisors to go to Zuko. The waterbender had been hearing the rumblings among the noblewomen since the announcement of her pregnancy. Katara knew it was only a matter of time before they forced a meeting with the Fire Lord.
She also knew her husband would do what he wanted without concern for the royal advisors but only when he was in the position to do so. And now was not the time to fight them.
"Katara?" The husky voice of her husband reached her ears but she didn't turn around to look at him. "I'm sorry I upset you but you needed to know the conversations that were taking place."
Bato stood and patted the young monarch on the shoulder before gesturing to the seat he had just occupied. The Fire Lady ignored her husband. She was still feeling a little bitter from the recount of his meeting with the royal advisors, not to mention abandoned by her husband's absence as of late. Katara placed the plate of food on the ground and rested a hand on her belly.
"Don't be like this Katara, you can't climb onto the roof right now," Zuko groaned in frustration. He rubbed a hand over his scar. "But if I have to carry you up there, I swear to Agni I will!"
The waterbender turned to look at her husband before she even could register that he was sitting next to her, he swept in and placed a quick kiss on pouty lips.
"I can never stay mad at you," she whispered as he pulled away from her. "I just hate listening to the judgment when our baby isn't even born yet."
Zuko placed his hand on her bump and was rewarded with a nudge from their child. "I know you do, as do I. But we knew this would happen."
"Did you remind them we were a political marriage?"
The Fire Lord growled, "We are anything but a political marriage."
"You know what I mean," she huffed in response. A brief thought entered her mind that she should mention how absent he had been recently but she decided against it and focused on his meeting with his advisors.
"I do but I hate referring to our marriage bed as political," he replied as he moved closer to her. "But I did point out that fact to them and how our marriage strengthened the bonds with not only the Water Tribe but the Earth Kingdom."
"And did they take it well?" She questioned as she snuggled closer to her husband. His arm instantly wrapped around her.
Zuko hesitated as he thought over how to respond. To say his meeting had been tense would be the understatement of the century. He wanted to shield Katara from the vile words that had been spewed but he knew that would only cause more problems in the long run.
"Not exactly," the firebender finally admitted to his wife. "But I don't want to repeat the things that were said. Whichever bending our child has I will be thrilled with, even if they are a nonbender. Right now I want to hear their grievances, it creates a line of communication."
"I know that," the waterbender pushed her face into his chest. "Fire and water are opposites, I worry that something could go wrong."
"Shinju said that everything is fine," Zuko reminded her. He was not unsurprised to hear her fears. It was something she had expressed more than once, it was why he was so sensitive to her hearing the advisor's concerns. He placed a kiss on her temple, "Whatever happens we will get through it, I promise you Katara."
"Thank you for telling me about your meeting," she whispered trying to keep the tears at bay. Since she entered the six-month of her pregnancy it seemed like all she was doing was crying.
"Let's get you to bed and I'll have Giya bring you in some fresh dinner," the Fire Lord suggested as he looked down at her cold untouched plate.
The waterbender nodded as her husband stood. He reached down a hand to help her up from the ground which she gladly accepted. The royal couple made their way to their chambers in silence. Zuko was sure to ask a maidservant to bring his wife some dinner in their rooms as they passed by one.
He fussed over Katara the moment they were behind closed doors.
"I'm fine, Zuko," she mumbled brushing his hands away as he tried to help her strip out of her heavy robes. "I don't need help."
"Katara, I love you but let me help you," he whispered in her ear. He held onto her tightly, her back to his chest. "You don't need to be strong all the time."
Zuko felt her relax in his arms. The waterbender allowed her husband to strip her of her clothing and draw her a bath. Both benders slipped into the water easily, Katara resting against his chest as he began to massage her shoulders.
"I'm sorry I stormed out," the Fire Lady apologized to her husband.
"Honestly I'm glad you did," he admitted quietly. "I feel like I haven't seen much of you since your father and Bato arrived. We lead busy lives and you storming out gave me an excuse not to entertain our guests."
Since the tribesmen arrived, the royal couple had been hosting elaborate meals each day. Along with scheduling activities to entertain Hakoda and Bato. This left little time for the royal couple to enact their sovereignly duties let alone time for just the two of them.
"We really should stop treating them like guests," she mumbled as she rotated her neck for him to get a better angle. "They are our family and frankly don't need to be treated like visiting dignitaries."
"If that is what you want."
"Tomorrow I'll let my father know how our day-to-day lives run," Katara sighed as she finally fully relaxed. "They are here to help support us."
"I agree," Zuko's hands moved to cup her belly. He loved looking at her pregnant body, it was like looking at a physical manifestation of their love. The firebender dropped a kiss to the back of her neck, "But right now, I want to focus solely on my wife."
"Zuko?" The Fire Lady called to her husband as she walked into his office. He was supposed to meet her a few minutes ago in her office for afternoon tea. She was surprised to find him hunched over and with his head in his hands.
"What?" He looked up at her in confusion.
"You were supposed to meet me fifteen minutes ago," she shook her head and moved toward him. "What have you so concerned you missed tea with me?"
The Fire Lord sighed heavily and passed her the scroll he had just been looking over. "It is a new threat from the Earth Kingdom."
Katara barely read the words. All of the threats were similar to the one that was left with Ozai's body. "Any news from the White Lotus?"
"Only that both Shinu and Bujing are clean," he scrubbed a hand over his face. "Though I don't feel comfortable pulling back the watchmen just yet. My instinct tells me that there is a piece to that puzzle missing."
"What about the noblemen of Keui's court? Is there any suspect there?" The waterbender placed a hand on her husband's shoulder.
"Uncle has told me that he investigated each one, nothing ties them to the threats or assassination," the firebender grumbled. His frustration was rising with each passing day.
"We will figure it out Zuko," she comforted her husband as he pulled her into his lap. "It won't be long now before they slip up and give us the missing clue."
"You're right," he nuzzled her neck as he tried to let her words soothe him. "But until then I'm keeping the guard the way it is. Malu agrees with me and I think it's time we wrote to Suki, and tell her we are ready for the Fire Nation to have a group of the Kyoshi Warriors."
"I'll send her a letter first thing in the morning," Katara agreed. She normally would have fought her husband on the extra protection but carrying their baby had adjusted her perspective and multiple her worry.
Across the ocean, in a seedy tavern in the lower ring of Ba Sing Se a cloaked man took a meeting with a bounty hunter.
"One attempt was made already but the Fire Lord was able to evade it," the cloaked man explained. He hoped that this bounty hunter was the key to his success. "Now I've heard of your skill. They say you have never missed a target."
"My skill is on capturing and turning them in, not on killing," the bounty hunter corrected looking at the man trying to decipher who was making the request.
"If you can capture him and turn him over to me, I'll happily be the one to draw blood," the cloaked man chuckled dryly. In fact, he preferred to do the deed himself, he wanted to see the Fire Lord's face as he died.
"My services don't come cheap."
The man placed a box on the table and waited for the bounty hunter to open it. In the box were hundreds of gold pieces, "That is your first half, you will receive the other half when you deliver the Fire Lord to me. Does that satisfy your price?"
"It won't be easy capturing him," the bounty hunter began. It was a tall order to capture the Fire Nation sovereign, practically a suicide mission if one was unsuccessful.
"You have time, I'll give you one year. Are we in agreement?"
"Two years," the bounty hunter countered. "This needs careful planning if I am to not rise suspicion. And I'll take this as the down payment, but I want double when I deliver him to you."
"Deal," the cloaked man stuck out his hand to shake. The bounty hunter stared at the hand for a moment, there were a few rings on his hand but nothing identifying the cloaked man.
With a deep breath, Jun placed her hand in his and was rewarded with a firm handshake before he quickly stood to leave the tavern.
As she slipped into bed that night next to her husband she desperately hoped the Dragon of the West wouldn't find the box of gold she hid underneath the floorboards of their bedroom.
"No Zuko?" Hakoda asked as he and Bato joined Katara and Ursa for dinner.
The waterbender shook her head trying not to show her disappointment to her father. "Not tonight, he has a meeting with Ukano and Katsu regarding the Chan family's finances. He wants to make sure the penalty matches the crime as well as trying to go over the gambling debt."
"Is he still concerned that Chan could be working with those sending the threats?" Bato questioned as their dinner was served.
"I don't think it's completely out of the question," the Fire Lady shrugged. She looked down at her food and as appetizing as it was her stomach roiled. Katara patted the head of the polar bear puppy laying next to her as a distraction.
It was the fifth night in a week that the Fire Lord had not been part of the evening meal. Zuko had been busy for weeks now but Katara had hoped that it would calm down after she explained to her father how they typically operated. But it seemed that now her husband was not entertaining the chieftain, he was even more absent than before. The waterbender was worried he wasn't telling her all the information on the threats of the Earth Kingdom.
"Sorry, I'm late," Azula stated as she took her seat next to Katara. The Fire Nation Princess's eyes glanced over to the head of the table, noting her brother's absence immediately. "I was in the middle of a painting and I just finally got the right lighting."
"No need to be sorry, we only just sat down," Katara responded diplomatically. She tried to focus on the family around her rather than her missing husband. For the rest of dinner, the Fire Lady tried to make light conversation but her husband's absence was felt throughout the room.
Later that night as she drifted to sleep alone in their bed, Katara realized she couldn't remember the last time Zuko had gone to bed with her.
The Fire Lord paused in the doorway to admire his sleeping wife curled up in their bed before he went to join his sister in the training arena.
With each passing day of Katara's pregnancy, she was struggling to find a comfortable position to sleep in, and extreme exhaustion set in. Hikari was curled up at the foot of the bed, he had become extremely protective of the royal couple. Though the polar bear dog was now too big to sleep in their bed with them.
"Zuko?" The waterbender mumbled sleepily, her eyes half open. She had felt his eyes on her. "What time is it?"
"Shh," her husband immediately moved to her side, brushing the back of his hand down her face. "It's early. The sunrise began only ten minutes ago."
"I can't keep sleeping the morning away," Katara's eyes fluttered closed in contrast to her words. After the nausea had let up, the extreme exhaustion set in.
"Yes you can," he placed a quick kiss on the tip of her nose. "You are carrying our child, if you need to spend the next few months locked away sleeping and eating you should."
"The council will love that," the waterbender grumbled as she snuggled deeper into the covers. She missed her husband's warmth and wanted him to climb back into bed with her.
Zuko shook his head. "The council will get over it."
"Come back to bed."
"As much as I want to crawl back into bed with you," the firebender whispered to her. He adjusted the covers to tuck her in tightly. "And do very elicit things to you, I promised Azula that I would join her for training with Piandao this morning."
"Oh right," the Fire Lady mumbled. She could hardly keep her eyes open.
"Go back to sleep Katara, I'll come to check on you after training," he placed a kiss on her forehead as she grunted her reply. Zuko moved down a little and kissed her belly, he felt a nudge under his palm from their growing child. "Let your mother sleep a little longer."
Zuko beckoned the polar bear dog to join him, Hikari stretched his limbs before following its master. The Fire Lord turned to look at his wife one more time before he made his way to the training arena, his pet in tow. He was curious as to why his sister had asked him to train with her and Piandao this morning. Not that he minded getting a chance to practice his broadswords.
As the two entered the training arena Hikari raced toward the Fire Nation Princess, jumping on her briefly. Azula was quick to give the polar bear dog the attention he sought.
"Good morning, Fire Lord," Piandao bowed as the young monarch joined him and his pupil.
"Master Piandao, please just Zuko," the firebender correct the sword master for what felt like the hundredth time.
"Of course, Zuko." The older man nodded in response.
"Good morning, Azula," the Fire Lord turned to his sister. He smiled as he saw her petting Hikari. The two had taken an extreme liking to each other.
"Morning Zuzu," the Princess barely looked at her brother as she greeted him. She went back to cooing at the polar bear dog. "Do you want to come on a run with us Hikari?"
"You start your days running?" Zuko addressed the sword master. He realized he didn't know much about his sister's training.
"We do half an hour of running each morning followed by two hours of sword training and ending with half an hour of meditation," Piandao informed the Fire Lord.
Zuko nodded absently, he was not surprised to hear his sister trained for three hours each morning. He knew just how much Azula benefited from a rigorous training schedule.
"Is a run too much for you Zuzu?" The Fire Nation Princess asked with faux innocence. She never took her eyes off of the polar bear dog.
"A run will be just fine for me, Zula," her brother responded not rising to the bait. "As soon as you are done petting my puppy, we can get started."
She shot her brother an annoyed look but finished showering Hikari with attention. The Fire Nation Princess straightened her ponytail, "Ready whenever you are."
The group of three moved to the track around the arena before beginning their run, the polar bear puppy keeping pace easily with them.
Azula was sure to set a brisk pace, fast enough to make it difficult for conversation. An unusual occurrence for her training, typically she and Piandao used the time to converse. But as her feelings for the sword master grew, the Princess wanted to put some space between them. Hence the reason she asked her brother to train with them this morning.
Zuko paid close attention to his sister's actions and those of the sword master. The question on the tip of his tongue.
After the trio finished their run and Hikari went to lay in the grass, the Fire Lord watched Piandao instruct Azula. Zuko sparred with her, allowing the sword master to focus solely on her actions.
The Fire Lord could not help but notice the new wakizashi that his sister was wielding. He hadn't expected her training to progress to the point that Azula had forged her own weapon. Yet for some reason, the sword looked too perfect to be created by a student. If Zuko didn't know the sword master's training ways, he would have suspected that Piandao created the wakizashi all on his own and gifted it to Azula.
"Be sure to stay on the balls of your feet," Piandao called out to the Princess. He was unsure what had caused her to be so distant the past couple of weeks. But the sword master was grateful for Zuko's attendance this morning.
"Breathe, Zula," the Fire Lord mumbled as he noticed his sister flagging. It was unlike her, she was making silly mistakes too.
"Stop," the sword master commanded. He was unsure what was wrong with his student and he wanted to correct it immediately.
The two siblings backed away from each other both turning to look at the older man. Zuko swiped a hand over his face to rid himself of the sheen of sweat.
Azula did everything in her power not to make eye contact with Piandao. Every single time she looked at him, her core clenched with the memory of her dream. She knew she was making stupid mistakes when sparring with Zuko, but she couldn't focus with the sword master's eyes on her.
The older man had a hunch about what the problem was with his pupil, but he didn't voice it.
Instead, he walked slowly toward the Princess until he was standing right in front of her. He held a piece of cloth in his hand and was sure to keep his eyes on hers. Though Piandao could not help but notice how her top accented her breasts along with the rise and fall of her chest from her heavy breathing
"Turn around," the sword master instructed softly. He knew that the Fire Lord would understand the method of training he was utilizing. It was one he used with all of his students.
Azula's gold eyes finally met his and she slowly turned around. Her startled gasp reached his ears as he tied the cloth around her eyes. "How am I supposed to spar Zuko like this?"
"You aren't sparring anyone just yet," Piandao said gruffly. His hands rested on her shoulders, "Right now, I want you to breathe deeply focus on your breath and when you are ready run through each of your forms on your own. You need to get out of your head Azula, focus only on the blade in your hand and your breath."
The sword master beckoned the Fire Lord to follow him and the two men stood on the edge of the arena waiting for the Princess to relax into the exercise.
"She is struggling," Zuko mumbled after a few minutes of watching her sister unable to relax.
"I'm not sure why," Piandao whispered as he watched his student. But he had his own suspicions as to why and he had a feeling it was the reason Azula had asked her brother to attend today. "Perhaps she's trying too hard to impress you."
The Fire Lord stared at the sword master for a few minutes before responding. His words were a statement not a question, "You want me to leave."
"I think your sister desperately wants your approval and she is trying extremely hard causing her to overthink," the older man replied looking directly at the monarch.
"I am trusting you to do right by my sister and do what is best for her," Zuko's gold eyes bore into his former teacher's. "Tell her that this was your suggestion and you thought it would benefit her."
"Yes, Fire Lord," Piandao recognized the words for what they were and instantly slipped back into the formality.
The Fire Nation sovereign hesitated a moment longer before taking his leave, being sure to whistle to Hikari to follow him. Zuko noticed as he exited the arena his sister's body relaxed and she began moving through each form. The sword master did know what was best, the firebender thought to himself.
Piandao observed his student silently, her moves were flawless when she surrendered to the sword. He picked up his own blade and moved quietly toward her, he wanted to see how good she was now that she had relaxed.
Azula sensing the coming attack was prepared and before he could finish his strike their blades crashed together. Her mind was now clear, her sole focus was where the next attack was coming from.
Though she was unaware of it in her meditative state, her body was in tune with Piandao's. She knew where he was before his mind had been made up. Their sparring was a delicate dance and beautiful to watch. There was an energy around the teacher and student as they moved together.
Now that her sight had been taken from her, Azula appreciated being this close to Piandao. Her body tingled the closer he was to her. And her core clenched when she felt his breath fanning across her face. The Princess's cheeks were flushed but a giddy smile was on her face.
The sword master was unable to keep his eyes away from the way her body twisted with each movement. Her training clothes stretched across her form as she moved and left little to the imagination. His eyes noticed every bead of sweat that dripped down her body, especially the few that dipped into her cleavage. The display of her power and skill caused his blood to run hot.
As Piandao overpowered the Princess, the blindfold succumbed to the thrashing and fell from her eyes.
Her gold eyes had darkened and were staring into his hooded ones. His eyes flickered down to look at her mouth which was open slightly while she panted from the exertion. She could feel his chest moving against hers as they both breathed heavily. Azula observed the sheen of sweat covering his body and the way his hands felt against her skin.
His nostrils flared and she swore he could smell her arousal. The Princess's only thought was what it would feel like to have his mouth against hers. Piandao's thoughts were plagued with what it would be like to have her truly underneath him.
Nosy chatter nearing the training arena pulled the two apart instantly.
The sword master cleared his throat, "Once you relaxed you did very well."
"Thank you," Azula nodded. She had hoped to have won their match but recognized she still had a long way to go before she would be able to successfully win against Piandao.
"We ran a little long today, so we will forgo meditation together," he wiped a hand across his forehead. He needed to put as much space between himself and her if he was going to stop himself from crossing the line. "But I will see you later tonight for dinner in the city?"
Piandao had made sure to keep his promise by regularly venturing into the city with Azula to help her re-assimilate in to Caldera. The two had tried a new restaurant each week.
"Of course, I'll meet you at six," the Princess confirmed before they went their separate ways.
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See you on May 5th, 2023 for Chapter 26!