Today was the day.
Early in the morning, so early that the sun had barely risen into the sky, she woke from her slumber at the slight touch to her shoulder. Padme stood at her bedside, fully dressed and brimming with a smile. "It's time, my lady," she murmured softly, dark hair bouncing as she turned, gesturing for the maids to enter. At once they came, between them they carried the large tub which she used to bathe. Another pair of maids entered, both carrying boiling pails of water. That's right, Katara thought as she rubbed her tired eyes, it's my wedding day.
The weeks had passed since her arrival in the Fire Nation; she had Zuko bonded more and more everyday. And while the prospect of marriage still made her nervous, she no longer dreaded it. In Zuko, she could see the beginnings of a future.
Rising from her bed, Katara allowed the maids to strip her from her nightgown and she climbed into the bath. Water sloshed over the sides as she sunk down, her dark hair billowing about her face as she submerged, the scented water filling both her nose and mouth. Coming up for air, she coughed, hands reaching up to wipe down her face, water streaming down her cheeks and neck. Padme stood to the side, instructing the maids in this and that, and it didn't take long for Katara to be sufficiently bathed for her day. Slipping into a robe, the maids drew her across her chamber, so sit her at her vanity. A towel was wrapped around her head, in an attempt to dry her long, thick locks. During that moment she broke her fast on a light breakfast, though she found she felt ill, her stomach twisted in knots, her heart beat fast. "Are you alright?" Padme questioned with a smile, reaching her hand out to lay gently across Katara's shoulder. The older woman recognized the pale, worried look that sat permanently upon the princess' face. She could still remember her own fears at her own wedding day five years before. "Don't worry… I know it's frightening, but you should smile! It's your wedding day!" When Katara merely looked away, biting her lower lip, Padme dropped down before her, forcing the girl to turn to her. "I promise, it isn't as bad as you think it's going to be." She reassured softly, rising up as the maids returned, this time bringing with them the oils and other such things to do Katara's hair.
Carrying the woman's words with her, Katara tried to smile, knowing that Padme was right. Besides, there was no going back now. She liked Zuko well enough, and he seemed to like her. Love and everything else… it would follow… Wouldn't it?
[ x x x ]
Zuko was facing his own fears on their wedding day.
Fears that he shared with his bride. Fears that left his stomach in knots and his heart skipping beats. Taking a deep breath, he turned from the window which he had been peering out of. Already his servants were in a frenzy with preparations for both the wedding and the reception which would follow. And things did not end with their wedding, Katara's coronation would come the day after. For days the palace had been chaotic with planning and Zuko was happy just to have it all come to an end.
"Nephew?"
Blinking, Zuko turned to face his uncle, who was already dressed in red and gold robes, his features smiling as he took in Zuko's state. "You're not even dressed," he observed, gesturing towards Zuko's robes laid across his bed. Zuko merely shook his head, unable to find his voice. "Are you nervous?" Iroh asked with a sly smile, reaching out to clasp his nephew's shoulder. "Have no fear, Zuko. Your wedding day should be a happy one." Seeing the young man swallow and then nod warmed Iroh's heart; he knew their marriage would be a happy one, once they came to know each other better. "I have something for you," Iroh then said, fishing into his pocket. Holding out his hand, Zuko reached out his own, and felt the warmth of the older man's skin as he pressed something into his palm. Opening his hand, he was surprised to see the small, golden amulet shaped like a dragon. It's eye was a twinkle of red, a fire ruby Zuko suspected. It was a fine wrought piece, beautifully crafted, but with the aged look of a family heirloom. "It belonged to my great grandfather," Iroh explained, watching as Zuko turned the thing over in his hand. "I always planned on giving it to Lu Ten on his wedding day, as my grandfather gave to my father, and my father to me." The older man sighed, his heart always heavy at the thought of his son.
At once, Zuko understood. Many years ago, Lu Ten had been killed during the siege on Ba Sing Se, one which had brought Iroh shame, rather than glory. After the loss of his son, Iroh was heartbroken, a changed man, a broken man. Zuko had learned that he was shamed after the failed siege on the Earth Kingdom, his father had spoken ill of the event many times in his childhood. He felt his heart swelling, his eyes widening slightly; he could not have ever imagined Iroh giving him something so special. He had always admired his uncle, loved him. Iroh had been more of a father to him than his own father had ever been… In truth, he owed Iroh so much. Reaching out, Zuko embraced the old man, recalling the days of his youth spent with this man, traveling across the continent in search of his so-called honor. "Thank you, uncle," he said softly, pulling back, tactfully turning away at the sight of his uncle's tears. No longer feeling nervous or flighty, he offered his uncle a smile, knowing the time was drawing closer. Soon, he would be married.
[ x x x ]
This was it.
Zuko stood at the front of a crowd, a sea of faces, all there to witness the marriage of the Fire Lord and the Water Tribe's princess. A little of his nerves had returned while he stood up there, all eyes upon him as they waited for the arrival of the bride.
And then there she was.
Suddenly she was there, standing at the start of a golden walkway; the palace balcony was beautifully decorated, and she was momentarily taken aback by its beauty. But she didn't have long to take in the beautiful sights before she knew it was time to go. Taking slow, careful steps, Katara made her way down the walkway, well aware of every single pair of eyes upon her. Approaching the dais, she felt warmed by the encouraging smile Zuko offered, and felt a little better as his shaking hand took hers.
She was beautiful; like a dream, really, a dream he wished to never wake from. He could not believe his eyes as she appeared, like the moon goddess herself, a vision in a beautiful white and red attire. Down the way she came, her blue eyes wide in her face, eyes that darted back and forth, her red-tinted lips quivering with her nerves. He offered her his hand, well aware of how it shook with his own nerves. She smiled at him then, slipping her small but warm hand into his, and suddenly he knew he could do it. Taking her other hand with his, he gave them a gentle squeeze, and then they both turned towards the Fire Sage. And then they were married.
It took no time at all really, Katara found herself thinking as the Sage finished the ceremony and the court erupted in cheers as they shared a kiss before them all. It was not their first kiss, in truth, and Katara could not help but to smile as she recalled his kiss only a few days before. Taking his hand, she allowed him to lead her down the aisle, back beneath the archway and through the double doors. Instead of entering the ballroom, he steered her left, his only response to her inquisitive glance a small smirk. Leading her into a small chamber to the left, he closed the door behind them, her voice filtering in through the darkness. In his palm, a small dancing flame suddenly appeared, casting the room with a flickering orange glow. Her eyes widened then, as she turned around, seeing the room for the first time; it was spacious, with a small throne and even a desk. There was a small, comfortable looking daybed, a canopy of white and gold draped overtop it. Waterbending scrolls covered the walls, ancient texts she had never before seen. Beautiful fire lily petals were strewn across the bed, across the floor. Vases of them on nearly every flat surface. "Zuko, I don't…" She felt one of his arms come around her waist, pulling her close to his side.
"It's for you. A place of your own… To be away from even your ladies." Zuko explained softly, his voice soft, his breath warm against her neck. "I have a room just like it. I wanted you to have one too." Katara felt a lump rising into her throat, her heart swelling with many different emotions. Turning her head towards his, she caught his lips with her own, one hand snaking around to rest at the back of his head. Several long moments later, she stepped back, her blue eyes gleaming in the firelight.
"Thank you, Zuko."
[ x x x ]
He was drunk and he knew it.
Stumbling slightly, Zuko turned this way and that way, golden eyes on the hunt; a noble was at his side, speaking to him, but he was hardly listening. Within moments his gaze fell upon her, head thrown back in laughter as she listened to Iroh, telling a tale of his youth to she and her ladies. It was late into the night, so late that quite a few of the wedding guests had already dispersed. Iroh happened to then look up, meeting his gaze, and the old man then reached for the bride, leaning in to murmur something in her ear. Katara then looked up and over, her face brightening with a smile as their eyes met.
When Iroh spoke softly into her ear, Katara looked up and smiled as her eyes met Zuko's. Excusing herself from the group, she crossed the room, to slide up beside her husband, who was obviously drunk. Even she had had a little too much to drink and she could feel it in her movements. "Shall we go to bed?" She asked him quietly, unable to keep herself from flushing, blue eyes bright in the lamplight. At once, Zuko nodded, and he turned to the man nearby, gesturing for him to begin the preparations. The man sprung into action, offering a quick bow before he turned to go, heading out of the ballroom immediately after. He would head to their chamber, gathering the maids and servants, to have them prepare it for the royal couple.
Offering his bride his arm and a smile, Zuko steered her across the room, passing by those who still remained, nodding towards his uncle who winked in his direction. They walked on in silence, until they reached the door to the chamber which previously had been hers, now instead it would be theirs. Zuko still had his to stay in and she the one he had presented to her earlier that evening. But this… This would be their own. "I'll see you soon," he murmured to her as they stepped over the threshold of the chamber door. It lead into a large, spacious antechamber, beautifully decorated with red and gold; several doors led to rooms for different uses, one being a private chamber for her to dress. Lifting her hand to his lips, Zuko kissed her knuckles, warmth spreading through his entire being. She blushed slightly but nodded, drawing her hand away as the maids appeared behind her. Zuko stepped back, heading into the room that was their bed chamber, where he would dress for the night.
Allowing the maids to lead her into the chamber, Katara stood silently as they began the task of removing her elaborate gown. When she was finally stripped nude, they helped her into an ornate white nightgown, made from the softest material she had ever felt before. Brushing out her long, dark locks, one maid went to plait it, but she stopped her. "I want it down," she said simply, to which the maid merely nodded, stepping back to give the princess room to stand. Tonight she went to bed many things- a maid, a princes, a bride. Tomorrow she would wake a woman and a wife. And then, that next night, she would go to bed a queen. Padme appeared, slipping a light, crimson colored cloak over her shoulders, shooting her an encouraging smile.
With Padme behind her, Katara exited the chamber and went for the door that led into the bed chamber. Taking a deep breath, she reached for the door, pushing it open with one gentle touch of her hand. The room was shrouded in shadow, a few candles the only light source; behind her, the door closed, telling her that Padme had not followed her inside. It told her that they were alone. Gulping down her fears, she lifted her face, to see where he stood across the room, his gold and black robe draped over his shoulders. At once, he was closing the gap between them, his hands reaching for her; one snaked around her waist, drawing her close, the other sliding around to the back of her neck, her curtain of hair soft against his skin. She drew back slightly, surprised by his ferocity, and at once he was contrite, his grip slackening. "I'm sorry," he murmured, taking a slight step back, his voice thick, his cheeks reddening. Katara gave her head the smallest of shakes, reaching up to take his hand before it fell from her shoulder.
"I-I'm just nervous…" She admitted softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, her eyes raising to meet his. Nervous? He was glad to hear she was, considering he was too. Why else would he have drank as much as he had? "I've never…" She trailed off, turning her head away, too embarrassed to continue. As a man, it was almost certain that he would be more experienced than she… Especially a man such as Zuko. Powerful, rich, handsome, so many things about him that would have surely put him at the top of many women's "ideal man" lists.
"It's okay…" He murmured, his hands sliding up to cup her face between her palms. Of course, this wasn't his first time, but it was his first time with a woman like her. "We don't have to…" He began, gesturing towards the bed, implying that nothing needed to happen. He would never make her do something that she didn't want to. But after a moment, she was shaking her head, a small smile appearing. Her arms looped around his waist and she was the one to come towards him, her head resting against his chest. They stood in silence for a few moments, the only sound the beating of Zuko's heart against her ear… She then tipped her head back, catching his lips with her own, lids falling closed over her blue irises.
Her kiss took him by surprise, but there was no denying the attraction he felt towards her. There were so many layers to her, the fiery temper that hid just beneath a sweet, innocent demeanor; the fierce determination, the sense of adventure… He wanted to know every side of her. His hand back at her waist, he clutched at her hips, drawing them closer to his own. He could feel every curve, every inch of her against his own body, and he was certain she could feel his as well. Her teeth nipped at his lower lip while a hand reached up, tangling itself in his dark locks. He felt her other hand as it slid down his chest, his stomach, and then to his waist… He could feel her nervously fidgeting, as if unsure what she was to do next, as if she didn't know what she was supposed to do. Breaking their kiss, Zuko took her by the hand, drawing her towards their grand, white and gold bed. He had specially ordered it weeks ago; fine, wrought gold fixtures, white fluffy bedding… a canopy that hung overhead, the cloth gold shimmery yet transparent.
They stood beside the bed a few moments, both staring at the other, small smiles resting on both of their faces. Silently, Zuko shrugged the cloak from his shoulders and it fell into a heap at his feet. Katara swallowed, her stomach turning with nerves as his hand reached for the neck of her gown. With a somewhat steady hand, his fingers worked at the ribbons at her throat, loosening them until they gave way. The gown opened, one side slipping right off her shoulder, exposing her skin to his eyes. The moon shifting in the sky and suddenly she was illuminated in its pure, white glow, giving her the look of a goddess. She raised her own hands, gently pulling her arms from the sleeves of the nightgown, and she allowed it to fall from her body to the ground, as he had done with his cloak. She shivered then, goosebumps erupting across her exposed skin; Zuko reached for her then, his skin warm against hers as he cradled her close for a long moment. "Zuko.." her soft vocals reached his ear, giving him the only thing he needed to move on.
"Get on the bed," he murmured softly, watching her as she climbed past the canopy to instead sit behind it, her body slightly obscured by the golden material. In one swift movement, he too climbed into the bed, to sit beside her a moment, his eyes taking in the full sight of her. "You're beautiful." He said, his words bringing both a smile and a blush to her face. Reaching out, he pulled her face towards his, palm against cheek, his lips curving with a smile. His lips met hers one more and while one hand remained entangled in her dark curls, the other was roaming, sliding down her body until it met her chest. Palm against her breast, he gripped it lightly, thumb rubbing soft circles against her nipple. She moaned into his mouth, as their kiss was not yet broken, and as he pulled away he was chuckling. Her head thrown back, Zuko caught the soft skin of her neck between his teeth, her groan soft and enticing. He needed to hear more. Gently as he could, he pushed her backwards, so she fell upon her back against the pillows. Both hands ran down the length of her body, both coming to a stop at her hips; her intense eyes were upon him, her own hands reaching up to settle across his. He looked up, meeting her eyes, and found she was smiling, as if encouraging him on. One hand slid further down, to her left thigh, the skin softer than silk against his palm. He pushed her thighs apart then, one quick motion, leaving her exposed as she had never been before. His eyes found hers once more and she gave a small nod, as if to tell him it was alright. Taking a deep breath, Zuko positioned himself between her legs, and thrust himself into her.
The pain was quick and then gone, much like a childhood pinch; however, she couldn't help but to give a little gasp. At once his eyes were finding hers, concern spreading across his features. But she shook her head, giving him a small smile. As quickly as the pain was there, it was gone, replaced instead with what she could only describe as bliss. Zuko was thrusting back and forth, slowly at first, and then faster, making her cry out in the pleasure. She would never have thought such an act felt so good. His lips were on hers then, kissing her fiercely as he ground his hips against hers, his hands on either side of her head against the bed. He threw his head back as she arched her back against him, a moan escaping his lips, knowing he was coming close to the end. One more thrust and he felt himself burst; pulling away from her, he rolled to the left, collapsing onto the bed at her side. "Are you alright?" He asked her softly, his concern immediately for her. But he was flashed a smile and a nod, telling him she was fine. Reaching for her, her drew her back to him, brushing a kiss to her temple.
Everything about this just felt so right and Zuko knew that he would never give her up.