Disclaimer: Don't own.
A/N: I can't really take credit for this idea as I read a fic awhile ago on here called "Breakfast, Anyone?" in the LotR fandom that had the same idea. But I wanted to try it with Zutara. First time writing first person Katara (I actually had to stop myself a few times and remind myself I was doing that).
I'd been dreading this since my wedding day. I knew it was my responsibility as Fire Lady to not only help Zuko with the administrative work of the Fire Nation but I also had a responsibility to the wives of all of the nobles in that I was their hostess when they decided to take up residence in the Capital. Personally I didn't give a flying hog monkey about most of them but I had to.
I was already late for this silly luncheon and had to straighten my dress as a rushed to get there. I was at least thankful that I knew some of the few friends I'd made in the Fire Nation would be there (and Ty Lee, home for a visit from Kyoshi Island). Stopping in front of red door I waited for one of the guards to open it for me (even though I could do this myself and would have any other time but now was the time to show power). As the door began to open I quickly brushed my hand over the flame in my topknot to make sure it was center and plastered a large smile on my face.
"Fire Lady Katara, so nice of you to join us for your own lunch," Lady Tomiko drawled. It was going to be one of those days.
I held my head high and responded, "considering its protocol for no meal to begin until the Fire Lord or Lady enters I believe I'm right on time." I loved being able to make some of the snottier courtiers squirm.
Carefully kneeling at the round table set for us and making sure that my dress draped the way it was supposed to I motioned for the servant to bring the tea for me to pour. As I took the pot and waited for the six teacups to be placed on the table I mentally prepared myself for the long, arduous, meal ahead. Pouring each cup I reviewed what I knew about everyone at the table. To my left was Lady Rina, wife to the minister of finance. She just had their first son about six months ago and had three older girls and was nice enough to me. Next to her was Lady Mami, daughter of one of Zuko's most vocal critics and engaged to the son of Admiral Chan. Next to her was her friend and my most vocal opponent Lady Tomiko, recently married to the general in charge of largest portion of the army and the woman who chased Zuko the second he broke up with Mai until our wedding day. I hate her. Next to her is Ty Lee's sister Ling, married to the admiral of the eastern fleet. Finally Ty Lee on my right, my one true friend. I could tell she was having trouble sitting normally as she squired.
Passing out the tea I watched as dishes were placed on the table my mouth watering at the delicious smells. I honestly hated all the silly rules associated with eating and, if I have any power at all, I'm going to try to change them and leave that as my legacy.
Helping myself to the food and making sure to take an exaggerated first bite so everyone else could eat. The conversation moved from the food ("Wonderful" from Ty Lee, "Delicious" from Lady Rina, and "Fair" from Lady Tomiko) to the latest fashions (Ty Lee and I sat back and had our own discussion about how things were on Kyoshi). I commented here and there and took some satisfaction in the flustered way they tried to change subjects.
As I began to count down the minutes until I could graciously leave Lady Tomiko decided it was time to bring me back into the conversation.
"I don't know how things are in the Water Tribe," she sneered, "but I do know in the Fire Nation we value our time and make sure to be punctual."
"That's funny," Ty Lee began, "because I remember you being late to my twelfth birthday party."
"And my sixteenth," Ling added. "You wanted to come in and make a scene to steal all the attention."
"Entirely not true, it wasn't my fault that one of my palanquin bearers twisted their ankle on the way over," Tomiko replied easily. "Besides you liked the bracelet I gave you. You're wearing it now." I gave Tomiko a point for that.
"I should apologize for my tardiness, I admit. However I, ah, had something very important to discuss with the Fire Lord," I tried desperately not to blush.
"Really, care to enlighten us on what that was? Or was it so important you can't share it with your friends?" Tomiko sneered. She would never, ever, be my friend.
"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. Lady Katara shouldn't divulge state secrets to us," Lady Rina said coming to my aid.
"That sounds fair," Lady Mami responded.
"True, Mami, it does. But tell me, Lady Katara, how is your marriage? You always seem so," she paused, tapping her finger to her chin. I wanted to break that finger. "Refreshed when we see you. I mean, if I were in your shoes I think I'd be a little more worn out."
I could feel the water in her eyes and was sorely tempted to bend it and smack her in the face with it. However I was above her, as Zuko often told me when I complained about her cattiness to him. I had the high ground and the better title. "I'm not sure what you mean?"
"Well some of your new duties, I feel, should be a little more taxing than you might think."
That was it, I was done playing nice. "Well it did take some adjusting to, what with firebenders rising with the sun and all. But, tell me, do most firebenders burn your clothes off?" Ty Lee spit out her tea and tried very hard not to choke while trying not to laugh. "I'm certain I had to get all new under wraps after my first week of marriage because Zuko destroyed them all." Her sister spat out tea at that point and Ty Lee tried very hard to cover her laughter with coughing. I could see the smile on Lady Rina's face as well and knew I won.
I decided a little pay back was needed. "Besides, being a waterbender and at my peak at night, I'm sure I wore out Zuko every so often. He can't seem to get enough though. Before I came here he pulled me into his office to discuss the possibility of an heir. It was a very stimulating talk," I made sure to slightly shiver at the end of my speech.
Ty Lee gave up trying to hide her laughing and was giggling uncontrollably, her sister was having more luck as she hid her mouth behind her hand, and Lady Rina lifted her teacup to me in salute. I'd won and knowing Rina was on my side I knew I'd gained the respect of most of the other ladies at court.