Zuko met Katara's trembling lips in a rush and thrill of happiness and relief, there were so many eye's upon them, the couple could feel each pair boring into them as they stood upon the dais with the hooded figure of fire sage. This same kiss had married so many fire lords and ladies, for generations, this one spotlighted kiss. But this time it was different, it felt different. Never before had there been a Fire Lady from outside of the fire nation, let alone a water bender. But more than that, this was the woman that Zuko loved, whom he wanted to marry, and not out of necessity. His hand grew warmer, clasped around Katara's own cool hands. He squeezed her a little tighter as they broke away from their embrace, meeting each other's gaze. Katara looked up into those amber orbs, she could have sworn they were smiling. Without a word, but bursting with pride, Fire Lord Zuko led his new Fire Lady along the dais and exited the bustling temple to a small side room. Catching the rising sea of Red, Blue and Green leave their seats and lower in a respectful bow as the disappeared.
The room was small by palace standards but it was filled to bursting with Fire lily's, roaring candles and lanterns and delicate ice carvings, that trailed around the room in the shape of garlands of flowers. It was truly beautiful but the two could have walked in to anywhere, it wouldn't have mattered, they stood hand in hand facing each other, an innate grin gracing both their faces.
'We did it' Katara burst, feeling the hot flush across her face.
'We certainly did… Fire Lady Katara.' Zuko smirked as he leant to place a tender kiss against his wife's lips.
As they broke apart once more, Zuko gazed in awe at Katara's beauty. He had been so nervous before that he hadn't truly stopped to take her in. Her rich silk wedding gown was an attempt at being in line as much as possible with both water and fire tradition. The blazing red crimson that coloured her boddess slowly melted into the rich ocean blue that lapped at her feet, creating beautiful depths of violets and purples about her mid-section. A thin trim and white artic fur lined the loveheart neck and the long sweeping arms of her dress. Her hair was tied intricately in a series of twists and braids, held in place with tiny sparkling ruby pins. Her mother's necklace lay proudly against her neck, the silver pendant gleaming against her sift tanned skin. She was truly beautiful. Zuko himself wore the traditional white silk robes that befitted both nations, intricately embroidered along the edges with the same crimson and ocean blue; sweeping lines of stitching that swirled into tiny forms of crimson dragons and blue crescent moons, dotted with jewels of rubies and sapphires.
He stepped closer to Katara, lifting her chin to meet his eyes with one strong hand; his other cupped her cheek delicately. He looked deep into her eyes, so happy and proud. The pair had faced so many offenses and barriers to their marriage; parties from both nations sought to never seen such a union between the two, but they had found a way, they had sealed their fates in marriage.
The sun rose silently outside the infirmary tower. The hair prickled along Fire Lord Zuko's arms as the soft hot rays beamed gently through the window, cascading light onto his robed back. He stirred from his sleep, still huddled awkwardly over the canvas bed, one hand laid around Katara's belly, the other folded beneath his head. He straightened and stretched his neck; yet another night spent kneeling upon the floor was doing his back no favours. He inhaled deeply and let out a small contained burst of flames through his nose on his exhale. He always rose with the sun, the energy it burned down was too strong to ignore. He looked over his wife, still sleeping soundly on the bed. She seemed so much paler than before, weak and almost lifeless. He turned his attention to the little heartbeat, drumming wildly beneath his palm. One more month, just one…
Katara shuddered slightly under his touch, one deep breath and her eyes flickered open, she turned her head to face him. The usual sparkle that would shine from her ocean deep eyes was distinguished; they pooled a murky dull grey. The dark rings beneath her eyes, heavy and pronounce against her pale flesh.
'Morning.' Zuko smiled as he swept a warm hand down her face. Katara could not react to his touch, she wanted to, but the movement was not in her, her eyes grew too heavy to hold open much longer, they dragged themselves closed as she murmured.
'Good morning… Zuko.'
He detected an attempt at a smile, but it never graced her weary lips. Zuko held her hand tightly and placed a soft kiss to her forehead.
'I'm sorry Tara.' His voice was low and heavy, breaking slightly as the words escaped him. Katara could not raise her voice the question, but gently opened her dull eyes to query him.
'I've put you in so much pain… I never wanted this…' Zuko carefully rubbed the back of her hand, feeling its dead weight pulling back down to the bed.
'I hate that I have done this to you…' his voice trailed as he spoke. Katara raised a shaky, uncertain hand and cupped it around his face, feeling a cool tear slide its way, rippling over her knuckles.
'No Zuko… don't.'
He mirrored his own hand atop hers, and nuzzled his marred cheek into her palm. Feeling her weary arm grow tired and her palm slip down his face. He lay her arm gently back across her body on the bed.
'I will send a message to Uncle… ask for his assistance in the office for a while… I'm not leaving you Tara.'
Master Hao furiously paced the length of his sleeping chamber. He could not sleep, he could blame the heat, the pressure of serving the Fire Royals, but he knew why he was kept from his bed. He tried to run an array of scenarios through his head, what would he do? Could he do it? Could he let it happen if the time came? His head pounded furiously as these questions jostled in his mind. If he hadn't come to the palace, this would never have been put to him, If Iroh had not….Iroh.
His eyes grew wide as the thought descended. It had been Former General Iroh's strong recommendation that had placed him in the Fire Palace, in charge of the care of the Fire Lady and the future heir. His own nephew… He couldn't?...Could he?
Zuko strolled back towards the infirmary tower; he had washed and dressed in his casual silk robes, still the traditional Black and Red, detailed with golden thread embroidery. Iroh had graciously agreed to hold the fort, signing what was agreed to be signed, keeping all the affairs ticking over until his return. Zuko was not too concerned, he hadn't intended to make much drastic action until he knew the reaction to his newly instated laws, changing the payment of the national war debt to be paid proportionally to the citizens earnings- the nobles will not like it, but they didn't have to like it, Zuko did not care for their opinion of him or his laws, but he did need their loyalty, and there co-operation.
He rounded the corner that would lead him to the infirmaries entrance when he was greeted by a rather dishevelled looking Master Hao. He noted the dark rings beneath his eyes, the wisps of white hair that had eluded his usually ordered top knot and the laboured quality to his voice as he spoke,
'Most Honourable Fire Lord Zuko, we were not expecting you to visit so early My Lord.' His loose knot wobbled as if to topple as he bowed.
'I have made arrangement for my duties, today I wish to be with my wife, Master Hao.' Zuko almost barked. He walked just a pace before the elder man as they entered the infirmary.
'What news can you tell me of her condition?'
'Her Majesty is further weakened by the fire growing inside her. We are trying all that we can to dull the pain, but it seems to persist.' Hao sighed, eyes cast downwards. Zuko could sense the regret in his voice; he turned to him as the neared Katara's room.
'You are an honourable man Master Hao. I have every faith in your capabilities. My uncle has trusted you before, so now I trust you with family.' Zuko inclined his head in the slightest of bows, trying to toe that line between his Fire Lord Status and genuine thanks. Hao only sighed, a great pang ringing in his chest as he watched the young Fire Lord enter his Lady's infirmary ward.
Zuko was shocked to see Katara, sitting on the bed side, a young healer supporting her from one side, a tight arm wrapped around her waist, heavily holding her upright. Katara's body drooped and sagged as she fought to keep her energy flowing, but the struggle was clear to see. Zuko quietly came to sit beside her on the bed, firmly placing both arms around her shoulders.
'You're supposed to be resting.' He smiled a gentle, almost whisper into her neck.
'I just wanted to feel some solid ground beneath my feet,' Katara quipped, 'I can't stand the bed rest routine.'
Zuko chuckled, recalling the many arguments the two had endured during this pregnancy, concerning the practice of rest and feet up. He knew how well Katara hated the idea of 'rest'.
'You seem brighter than earlier,' his eyes sparkled as he spoke, just a little hope leaping in his heart. 'Maybe a little while away from bed will do you well; if Master Hao agrees of course.'
Katara leant heavily against her husband's strong shoulder, burying her head into his chiselled collar bone. Zuko smiled, embracing her head against him in one hand, then turning to the young healer,
'Summon Master Hao, I would like a consultation.'
'Yes Fire Lord Zuko, at once My Lord.' The young girl inclined in a short bow before fully transferring the Fire Lady's lean over to her husband, and exiting the room without another word.
'I'm sorry if I scared you.' Katara fingered the rich silk of Zuko's informal robes as she spoke, 'You've had a hard few days Zuko…I-…I worry about you.' She glanced up into his amber eyes. Zuko's warm hand immediately came to cup her face as it inclined up to him.
'No. Katara, don't you dare apologise.' His face was suddenly very serious. 'Don't you dare, you hear me?' Without letting her retort, Zuko engaged his beautiful wife in a gentle kiss, before letting her heavy head drift back to position against his neck.
Seconds later a subtle clearing of the throat, announced the familiar figure of Master Hao, standing in the door way. He pushed a wicker styled chair, with two larger wheels and two smaller, crafted in some sort of solid, light wood. A silk cushioned mat lined the seat and back of the chair, a light woven throw folded over one arm.
'I believe this will be over some use to you My Lord.' Hao smiled as Zuko turned to see the elder man. 'I think some fresh air and a change of scenery will do My lady no harm. A healer will be always at hand to you, and I will be on call at all times.' He smiled as he pushed the chair closer to the bed. Zuko felt Katara's smile spread across her face, her squeezed her shoulder more tightly.
'Thank you Master Hao.'
'The infirmary guard will be here shortly to transport Lady Katara' Hao breathed.
'Not necessary Master Hao, I would like to care for my wife today.'
'Zuko, you need to rest too…' Katara shakily pulled out of his grip and looked up to his weary face, running a blazing hand down the scarred side of his face, which was ragged and hot, wrinkled further with the stress and worry of the past few days. He caught her hand and pressed it to his lips.
'I can look after you Tara…' he placed his kiss upon the back of her hand, 'I promise.'
Between Zuko and Master Hao, they helped Katara briefly to her feet, she winced in pain as the skin over her stomach stretched, tugging at her scar. Then she was sat gently into the chair, feet placed in a cushioned holding to raise them safely from the ground.