Disclaimer - I do not own Avatar The Last Air Bender.
Author's Note: Hello my wonderful readers! I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving. Let me just say I am thankful for all of you! Without your support this story wouldn't be possible. Now please read, review and enjoy!
P.S. Don't forget to check out my new Azula/Aang fic, A New Beginning!
Chapter 16 - Wedding
The news of her pregnancy was welled received by everyone. Zuko wasn't easily convinced at first but when he learned Aang was stuck wedding planning with Iroh he decided his friend would be punished enough.
Their wedding was fast approaching but Aang still needed to hold a meeting for the world leaders. King Aarn was more than happy to help make the arrangements. It was the morning of the meeting that King Aarn asked for a private audience with Azula. They sat in her courtyard sipping tea, "Your students are soon due back in the Air Nation. They will have exciting stories to tell."
Azula nodded, "Before summer ends I will need to make arrangements for the next group of students next year."
"I want to speak with you about that. I know you will soon be busy with a baby. Don't give me that look Azula; the man is excited about his first child. I promise not to say a word. But since you will be busy I wanted to offer my services with your exchange program, at least for this next round."
Azula stirred her tea. Next to her, Aarn was the most involved with her exchange program. "I'll allow it on one condition. I want my student, Dulin involved in the process."
King Aarn smiled, "Of course, Princess."
Aang sat next to Zuko as the world leaders trickled into one of the smaller council rooms. Mai and Azula sat across from them. Once the leaders took their seats Aang stood up, "Thank you for attending this. Some of you have concerns about what my marriage to the Princess Azula would mean to the Air Nation. It is my duty as Avatar to keep the world balanced. I can assure you that my marriage to the Princess will not jeopardize this duty. I ended the 100 Year War. I brought peace and have maintained that peace with your help. Have I not proven myself countless times? I will not ask for you permission to be married, but I will ask for your support."
The men talked amongst themselves. Hakoda was the first to stand, "Aang, I've known you for many years. Not once have you let us down since the war ended. I trust that you will keep balance and have my support." And one by one each leader stood and pledged his support. Azula placed her hand on her stomach and offered Aang a small smile.
Back in their room Aang helped Azula take off her shoes. "You know I am capable of doing that. I haven't even gained any weight. Mai said it will be months before I start needing help."
Aang began to run his hand up her leg, "I like pampering you."
Azula pulled him up for a kiss, "I need a different kind of pampering."
He moved his hands up and down her body, "Like this?"
Azula nodded, "That's a start."
Aang scooped her in his arms and lightly tossed her on the bed. She undid the sash that held up his pants. He rose up her skirts and tore off her undergarments. Their need was urgent so he quickly made his way inside. She dug her nails deep into his back losing herself to him.
Azula stood in front of her full-length mirror. She was amazed at the woman staring back. The royal tailors had out done themselves with her wedding robes. Her outer robe was a deep red silk with gold embroidery depicting dragons and flames. Her inner slips were a complementary orange and yellow that peeked out in the front. The tailors had used her engagement ring as inspiration. He hair was done in a low bun at the nape her neck; two loose curls framed her face and her gold flame crown rested at the top of her head. Her golden eyes shined through her black eyeliner and thick lashes. The final touch was her signature red lips.
"Azula, look so beautiful," Ty Lee sighed dreamily.
Mai nodded her approval. Iroh knocked at her door ready to escort his niece, "Azula, what a vision you are."
Azula walked towards her uncle and put her arm through his, "Thank you Uncle, for everything."
Aang stood in front of the large audience waiting for his bride. The head Fire Sage offered him a reassuring smile. The royal tailors had designed a more elegant version of his traditional Air Nation clothes. Finally he saw the massive doors open to reveal Iroh and Azula. Aang could not imagine a more beautiful woman had ever existed in the history of the world.
Iroh gave Aang Azula's hand and smiled proudly before taking his seat. The Fire Sage began the ceremony but Aang and Azula did not hear a word he said. They were lost in each other's eyes. The Fire Sage finally said Aang could kiss his bride and he happily obeyed. His arms around her waist and he dipped her before giving her a deep kiss, which was returned eagerly. Cheers and applause exploded around them.
The banquet hall was exquisite. Iroh had exceeded everyone's expectations. "I guess he finally decided on jasmine green tea," Azula commented as she drank from her cup.
"Yeah, it took him forever," Aang shivered at the memory.
"So where are you two honeymooning? Ember Island?" Ty Lee asked.
"The Southern Air Temple," Aang answered.
"How very cheap of you Twinkletoes. It should be better the Sokka and Suki's discount cruise," Toph said as she took food from Sokka's plate.
"Hey it was a very nice cruise!" Sokka said defensively.
"Yeah until you saw the cruise liner was actually an old fishing boat," Katara teased her brother.
"It's the thought the counts," Suki said as she patted Sokka's arm.
"I've never been to the Southern Air Temple. The seclusion is the reason we are going," Azula clarified.
"Good thing you're already pregnant," Toph said bluntly.
"Trying to eat here," Zuko said with a look of disgust.
Music began to play. Azula stood and held her hand out to Aang, "Want to dance?"
Aang stood up and gave her a curious look, "Since when do you like dancing?"
"Since I became better at it than you," Azula said as she took his hand. The song had a fast tempo. Aang gave her a sly look and began to glide her across the dance floor. Her feet moved to the beat, her hips swayed side to side. He twirled her out and brought her back in. She dressed her backside against him then turned and danced a circle around him. Aang saw she was serious and was not one to be out done. He lifted her in the air and twirled her around the whole dance floor. He dipped her low and slid her under his legs. She quickly rose up and put her leg around his waist. The song ended and they heard loud applause.
More people joined them on the dance floor. The next few songs they spent dancing in a similar fashion. The more they danced, the more the heat rose between them. Aang led her back to their table to cool off. They sipped their jasmine green tea but their gaze was still intense. "If only we could slip out of here," Azula whispered.
"Why don't we?" Aang asked.
"It's Fire Nation tradition for the royal couple to stay up until the last guest leaves," Azula informed him.
"The wait will make it better," Aang said smoothly.
"You won't have to wait long," Ty Lee interrupted.
"What do you mean?" Azula raised her eyebrow at Ty Lee.
"I'll help you sneak out. If anyone asks for you I'll just make up an excuse," Ty Lee said gleefully.
Azula gave her a grateful look as Aang quickly took her hand and rushed her out of the hall.
Azula watched her husband warm their large bathtub. Red rose petals floated on top of the water. Dozens of candles illuminated the bathroom. Aang turned to look at his wife as she slowly stripped for him. His eyes lingered on her stomach; he was still amazed by the fact that she carried his child. He took her hand and brought her into the water. He bended gentle waves as she leaned onto his chest.
"How's the water, wife?" Aang asked relishing the word.
"Perfect. Thank you, husband." She turned to kiss him and nibbled on his bottom lip. He let out a low growl and moved his lips to her neck while letting his hands wander.
She pressed her wet breasts against his hard chest. His hands dug into her back forcing her to slide into him. She let out a groan as she tossed her head back. His lips moved down her neck to her collarbone. She shivered as he moved deeper into her but slow. She thrust her hips to make him move faster but he only smirked and pinned her hands against her back.
He could feel her about to go over the edge. He used his air bending to lift her up a little and then drop her onto him. He felt her reach her breaking point as she breathed fire into the air.
She was panting hard, the cool water felt like bliss around her sweaty skin. "I don't think I've ever seen you breathe fire during this."
Azula winked, "Think of it as a wedding gift."
Azula liked the silence she found in the Southern Air Temple. She needed a break from the noise of the palace. She sat in the courtyard taking in the scenery. Her hand rested on her stomach. The royal physician had given her a check up before she left and said she had another six months before the baby was due. Katara had offered to use healing to see the gender of the baby and even see what kind of bender he or she would be. Azula had declined; she said she wanted to be surprised. In reality she wasn't ready to know. There was a chance her baby could be a fire bender; she wasn't sure how Aang would handle that. No, she decided to wait and enjoy her pregnancy.
Aang was eating a fruit tart when he saw Azula in the courtyard. "Hey Azula, how are you feeling?"
"A little tired. I've gained weight."
Aang chuckled, "That's to be expected."
"I suppose so," Azula said as she stood up. Aang moved to help her but was brushed away.
She stretched her limbs, "Have you thought of opening this temple to others? With all the new births, the Northern Air Temple won't be able to hold everyone."
"I've thought about it, but this is my home. As silly as it sounds, I'm not ready to share it," Aang said thoughtfully.
"I suppose we will figure something out when the time comes."
Aang watched as Azula's fan club gathered around her, each trying to get her attention. "Calm down everyone! Give Princess Azula some space," Dulin stated with authority.
He led everyone to the mess hall. The students were excited to tell the Princess and the Avatar about their travels. Once everyone settled down, Azula turned to Dulin, "I assume the trips went well?"
Dulin nodded, "Yes, Princes. We learned much and we are happy for the opportunity to represent the Air Nation."
"Boring, tell her about the fun stuff!" Someone shouted.
"Princess, Master Sokka taught us how to penguin sled. He said Avatar Aang and he used to race," a girl with light brown hair said gleefully.
Dulin blushed, "Yes but we also learned Water Tribe history from Chief Hakoda and how to survive in the tundra from Master Paku."
Aang laughed, "What about your travels to the Earth Kingdom?"
"King Bingwen gave us a tour of Ba Sing Se and we learned more about the 100 Year War. We were able to finish our studies at Omashu University. We even created lesson plans for the students here at the temple," Atiya said we excitement.
"What about the Fire Colonies?" Azula asked.
The students were quiet as they looked at one another. "The Fire Colonies were different," Dulin said diplomatically.
"How so?" Aang asked with genuine interest.
"People still seem a bit bitter about the Harmony Restoration. It wasn't a large number of people though," Atiya offered.
Azula thought nothing of it and continued to listen to the students' stories. Aang made a mental note of what he heard.