A/N:
Back with more Drowning Lessons!
Chapter 24:
Ozai hissed as he shifted his weight from his injured side and placed his hand over it as it ached. It wasn't a deep or significant injury. Just a flesh wound that was irritated in its process of healing. Last week, Katara stabbed him out of nowhere while they were in the middle of having sex. He had finally gotten to be within her after months of them being separated due to some misunderstandings and she stabbed him. Using the sweat they were creating together and made a skinny pick that she stabbed him with in his side. To make matters worse, after rolling him off of her and throwing on her nightgown, she had the guards arrest her. Ozai had to instruct them to send her to the private sanctum rather than toss her in prison. He didn't want it going around that his wife had attacked him while they were together. It would warrant amusement amongst his subjects. Besides, she had warned him she would do it but he didn't see her actually doing it. She proved him wrong. Again.
The palace physician, the guards, and Zhao were the only ones well aware of the situation. The physician seemed to think that the Fire Lord drove his wife insane as the woman was not known to be so outwardly violent. She was always seen as compassionate and warm hearted. Everyone believed so, even those that were not fond of the woman. However, Zhao saw it coming. Not everyone was aware of how things transpired between Ozai and the waterbender but he did. The girl was not especially kind or fond of Ozai. There had been a brief moment where Zhao thought that might have changed but Ozai foolishly set the waterbender off again. He recommended that the Fire Lord lay off the woman for some time until she calmed down but the man was stubborn and wanted to force his presence on her like always.
Finding Katara sitting with his ex-wife and her servant, Ming, Ozai approached her with his guards and Zhao. And per usual, she didn't bother looking at him and remained focused on her breakfast tea while Ming and Ursa got up to bow.
"We need to speak, Katara." Ozai said as he held onto his side where she stabbed him just last week.
Lifting her sapphire eyes that burned like his blue flames, Katara set her teacup down and rose from the stone outdoor table where she had been enjoying her breakfast in peace before he interrupted it. She furrowed her brows and held her hands over her middle, stepping to the side so that she could make her way to him. Without hesitation, the Fire Lady made her way up to her husband and when she was in arms reach of him, his guards took defensive stances against her. Her eyes fell on the bladed tip of one of their spears and then looked to Ozai.
"If I slap you, will they kill me like you should have?" Katara asked him.
Ozai stared back at her and held his hand up to his guards, "Stand down." He ordered.
"You're a moron." Katara scoffed. "What is there to talk about? I hate you and I stabbed you, anyone else would be dead already."
"But no one else is my wife. I choose to be lenient. For your sake." He told her.
"My sake?" She tilted her head to the side as she narrowed her eyes. "None of this shit is for my sake, you bastard! You've been forcing me to be at your side since you dragged me through the snow in the South Pole! And now, I'm your wife! Why?! Because you love me?! I think you're psychotic and sick in the head! You just want someone to toy with and I'm the easiest person for you to have your fun with!"
Deeply upset by her comment but refusing to show it, "You're still young and plagued by how my son discarded you. I'll let this slide but one day, you will share my feelings and I won't have to beg you to see things my way. But no matter, you've had your week to regroup, now you will return to my side."
"Which side? The one I stabbed you at?" Katara laughed.
Ozai rolled his eyes as he turned around, "Make sure she follows." He told his guards and proceeded to leave the sanctum.
Ming bowed to Lady Ursa before hurrying to the Fire Lady.
…..
Zhao sighed as he shook his head. Walking beside the Fire Lord while his wife and a set of guards followed a little ways behind them, the former admiral couldn't understand for the life of him what was so damn special about the girl that he allowed her to speak to him like that. Maybe he did truly love her and knew his faults, giving her a pass out of guilt. Or maybe he was sick in the head like she told him and didn't know why he let her get away with so much. Honestly, Zhao felt if he was Fire Lord, he'd punish the woman and spare her pretty little face. She'd know her place and whether she loved him back or not would be of no consequence to him. She was his and there was nothing she could do about it. The Fire Lord needed to put his foot down. There was no way to get to the woman.
"Katara has been lacking in company as of late and has resorted to befriending a servant. In order for her to better behave, she needs the companionship of women that can teach her the way and be of good influence. Look for well." Ozai ordered his subordinate.
The nobleman doubted that would do anything but the Fire Lord was a stubborn man and there was little anyone could do to sway him.
As they reached the royal chambers, the Fire Lord dismissed everyone in order to have a private word with his wife.
"I took advantage of you, I forced my way on you plenty, and impregnated you. Now, you've been forced to be my wife but I did it for your sake." Ozai told her as he stepped up towards her and watched her look off to the side, refusing to look at him. "You're just a girl at the end of the day. Not that you ever got to just live like one. In prison, I caught a glimpse of that girl and that's who I fell in love with. Marrying you was to secure a better life for you because I hated seeing your uncertainty towards your own future. I wanted to take that burden from you. It's why I didn't want to involve you in the work of a Fire Lady or worry about things that I could handle on my own. You should be relaxing, raising the boys, and enjoying the luxury of being my wife. If I am forceful, I apologize, but I'm new to this myself and I've let my hostile side get the better of me. So, for now, I'll back off and turn elsewhere for my needs to be met. In the meantime, I'd like us to try to get along."
Katara had her arms crossed under her breasts while maintaining her focus away from her husband as he spoke. She heard what he had to say and though a part of her liked that he was telling her this as it sounded like he genuinely cared, there was another part of her that wasn't trying to be fooled again. There had been nothing but bad luck she had with this man even before she met him. He killed her father. Another parent lost to the hands of the Fire Nation. He destroyed her family and was now trying to have one with her. It was unfathomable. But what could she really do? She didn't want to be spiteful for the rest of her life. It was draining and it exhausted her. Especially, when Ozai wasn't trying to really fight her at this point.
Glancing at him as she only frowned more due to her own inner turmoil, Katara sucked her teeth and finally addressed him. "It's hard to believe you'd marry me for that reason alone. Forgive me if I don't think your heart is so noble."
"You're correct but I saw we'd both benefit."
Looking him up and down, "Sounds like I benefit more from this whole arrangement. Go from a poor single mother to the wife of the Fire Lord, what do you get out of this?"
"You."
Shifting her weight from one leg to another, "And you'll back off of me? You won't make me do things I don't want to anymore?"
Ozai nodded his head.
Katara looked down at the marble floor, "I'll kill you if you're lying to me again." She sniffled a little as her eyes welled up. "Or maybe I'll just kill myself, I don't know. I'm just tired of this cycle of getting hurt. I'm really tired, Ozai. I can't take much more."
The Fire Lord watched his wife hug her arms around herself tight as she was beginning to cry. His brows furrowed somberly. He wanted to regret everything he did to her but if he did, then she might not be here as his wife. And he would rather live knowing he wronged her then to live without her. All he could do was try to make things better. Maybe she would never love him. Maybe she would never want to serve him as a wife did her husband but as long as he could make her stop hating him. He would make it up to her till the day he died.
"Slay me if I ever go back on my word to you again. At least then you'd still be able to have all this when our son takes my place." Ozai told her.
Her teary eyes narrowed at him, "I'll kill us both." She retorted bitterly as she walked around him, headed for their bedroom.
…
The Fire Lady returned to her project of healthcare the very next day and made her way to the treasury department. There, she went to see Minister Horikashi in his office and was greeted much differently than before. The minister bowed his head and lifted it with a pleasant look on his face. Katara was delighted to see a change in demeanor from the man. Meant that they could work together without problem.
The minister showed the Fire Lady wear she could take a seat and Ming stayed close at her side, helping her to the seat.
"I looked over your plans for the healthcare budget as well as the systematic changes you're wanting to add in order to produce solutions to current and future problems that may occur. It's a well thought out plan. It benefits not only the healthcare system but the economy as a whole. I must ask how you were able to think this all out?"
Katara was delighted to inform him. It was simple. She went out into the streets of the capital and met with the people themselves. Not only questioning them but working alongside them in the medical wards and observing many of them. The majority of the people were struggling from the war ending. Not only were there so many injured and unwell soldiers that had returned home, there were many that lost their jobs in factories that manufacture weapons for the war effort, and some were returning from the Earth Kingdom after Zuko dealt with the issue of the colonies. All in all, the Fire Nation was in a state of peril and if the capital looked like this, she could imagine what the rest of the country looked like.
Nodding his head, the minister told the Fire Lady he would be more than happy to work with her on this project of hers but she would have to involve the ministers of medicine, education, and get the permission of her husband to expand the project. This was becoming bigger than originally assumed but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. She was solving one of the major crises of the Fire Nation after the war was brought to a conclusion. Minister Horikashi had to say he was really impressed with the Fire Lady's quick thinking and dedication. She seemed genuinely concerned with the wellbeing of the Fire Nation citizens.
After her meeting with Minister Horikashi, Katara decided to take her drafted plan to her husband to get his approval before she went to the other ministers. Accompanied by Ming and her two personal guards Riku and Lee, the Fire Lady made her way to the Fire Lord office. She hadn't been in the office since Zuko was Fire Lord but she tried not to think about him. He was alive and well in the Earth Kingdom. She wouldn't spare him much thought pass knowing he was safe.
As she approached the doors of the office, Katara noticed the guards were eyeing her funny and she knew they were the ones she turned herself into the night she stabbed her husband. She tried showing herself friendly and waved her scroll up at them.
"It will be a quick visit. I just need him to sign off on this for me and I'll be on my way." She told them as she pursued the doors to open them herself.
But one of the guards stepped in her way. "His majesty has asked that he not be disturbed."
"Is he in a private meeting?" Katara asked curiously.
The other guard smirked, "Something like that."
Ming saw the two guards exchange looks between themselves and then looked at the Fire Lady with a look that suggested the Fire Lord was up to something that she would not want to witness. However, Ming saw her lady was not fazed and shoved both guards out of her way.
"Your majesty, maybe we can speak with your husband another time, hmm? He will be having lunch soon. We can see him then." Ming hurried to the Fire Lady's side and placed her hand on her shoulder.
Katara looked to Ming and saw the worry in her face that told her maybe she did need to wait. "Okay," she pulled herself away from the doors and shot the two guards a look. "Tell my husband I wish to have lunch with him in the royal gardens."
The guards bowed.
Leaving, Katara glanced at Ming, "He's with a concubine right now, isn't he?"
Swallowing hard, "One can only assume."
"Though I'm glad to have been spared the awful sight of whatever he could possibly be doing with her, it doesn't matter much to me. We may be married but I don't care what he does or who he does in his pastime." Katara stated as they headed back to the royal wing of the palace.
…..
Things were set in motion. They were preparing to leave but Zuko didn't want to go at it alone. He wrote Sokka and the others about whether they were coming. So far Sokka was the only one willing to go in order to see his sister. He was conflicted about seeing Katara, especially after their last conversation but seemed he wanted to patch things up. As for Aang, well, he couldn't intervene because Ozai hadn't done anything quick yet that was a threat to the world. Nearly a year into his father's reign and the Fire Nation had simply been minding its business. Any conflicts that were outside of throwing the world out of balance was not for Aang to involve himself. Toph and Ty Lee were busy. But Zuko seemed to think the two were also very uncomfortable with the idea of going back to the Fire Nation with his father back on the throne. Which was understandable. He wasn't exactly comfortable with it either.
"You needn't worry, Nephew. I will be traveling with you." Iroh told Zuko as he patted his back. "We need to see if there is a way we can get your mother from your father."
Zuko nodded, wishing there was a way to get his son and Katara away from his father. There was no telling what his father had done to them. Especially Katara.
"I wonder what Lady Katara looks like with the Fire Lady crown on her head. I don't doubt it suits her. She's always been very beautiful." Iroh stroked his beard.
Grabbing his bag, Zuko threw it over his shoulder and stormed out. He didn't want to think of Katara being Fire Lady to his father. It was sick and fucked up if you asked him. She was basically his step-mother and that rubbed him the wrong way. Why would his uncle even mention it?
Following behind his nephew that was clearly upset by the comment, "Zuko. Zuko, I only meant-"
Zuko whipped around quickly, "You meant what?! Remind me that I made yet another big mistake?! Or tell me there is nothing I can do to change any of this and I need to accept reality?! Well fuck that! I'm not accepting this! Nor do I need to be reminded that I screwed up! Every time they mention my father, all I can think is how I should have never sent Katara to interrogate him. How I should have never chosen Mai over her! And how I made the situation worse when she got back! So much so, Katara goes to fuck my dad after he kidnapped and abused her! I'm a failure! I know that but I have a hard time accepting it, so please, Uncle, I don't want to be told anything more about this until I see her."
Iroh nodded seldomly as his nephew went on to leave and followed behind him. He would respect Zuko's wishes. Of course, this was not easy. It was all unorthodox. His brother was never a moral sound person but he literally stole his son's woman and took her to be his wife. Iroh really hoped the waterbender was doing well. While he knew the relationship between his brother and Lady Katara was not as sweet and tender as other relationships, the old man did hope his brother was at least taking better care of her.
…..
Ozai was surprised to learn that his wife was wanting to have lunch with him when she hadn't had a meal with him since they married three months ago. But he didn't try to get too excited. His guard made him aware that she needed him to sign some document or something. This was a business matter. He really didn't understand her. The only time she tolerated him was when it was work related.
Reaching the gardens, the Fire Lord saw that Katara was sitting at the patio under the veranda with a set of papers sitting beside her. He was a bit disappointed to see it was true. She really did just have stuff for him to sign off on. Making his way towards her, her guards and servant bowed making his presence known to her. Her sapphire eyes laid on him and rested there until he was in front of her, taking his place across from her.
"So you have something for me to-"
"You have lip paint on your jaw," Katara pulled her handkerchief from her sash and handed it to him.
Ozai thanked her and tried to remove it but was missing it.
Sighing as she got up to help him, Katara licked the tip of the cloth before pressing it to his jaw and removing the pink lip paint. "I figured you could tell me about your day before we talk business." she said as she tucked her handkerchief in his robe pocket, no longer wanting it as it had some other woman's lip paint on it.
"It was uneventful." He stated, eyeing her as she went to sit back across from him.
"If that's so, I need to know the woman's name and have her replaced." Katara chuckled to herself as she poured them both their tea.
Raising his brow, Ozai felt very confused about her sudden demeanor.
Seeing this, Katara grinned. "'I'd like us to get along' those were your words, right?" She held out a cup of tea to him.
Accepting it, "I didn't think you'd be willing."
"Being bitter and hateful is not my strong suit. I mean, I still hate you, that won't change so easily but I don't have to act on that feeling. Am I wrong to not want to be miserable even if that's sucking up my pride to keep the peace?" Katara looked away from him as she felt she might be behaving a little too friendly with him.
Ozai shook his head.
They ate their meal in silence the rest of the time and just as he finished, seeing Katara was done as well, Ozai asked to look at what she needed him to sign. She explained a little about what they were for and why she needed his signature. He did some reading to find out the rest of why and was impressed to see what she had devised up. She not only found a solution to the healthcare problem but a fix to the economic issue he was overseeing. His eyes lifted from the paper to his wife.
"I seriously thought you to be an idiot." He confessed.
"I know." Katara sipped her tea.
"But this is something not even my brilliant ministers could come up with." Ozai looked back over the drafted plan. "A peasant out doing men that had years of formal education." He was truly taken aback.
Aside from the 'peasant' remark, Katara was happy to see he was blown away with her intelligence. She might be stupid in the matter of the heart but she was no fool in the matter of what can truly bring change.
"The war took its toll on every country in the world. Including the Fire Nation. Your people are suffering and you have the chance to be different than you were before by responding to their needs." She explained. "You said you wanted to appeal to the other nations. Well, this is how. Show them you don't need a war to be almighty."
Ozai signed off on the document giving his wife the authority to oversee this project of hers.
"You pull this off and I'll write you in my will to be regent for our son if he's still young." He tells her as he stands up.
Katara chuckled a little, "You speak like you're old and grey."
"I am twenty years your senior. It's only wise to assume I'd need to think of your well-being when I'm no longer here."
"Ah, I'm married to an old man."
Rolling his eyes, "Well, you knew I was old enough to be your father. Though it makes no difference I don't look my age."
Swallowing the lunch that was about to come back up, "I guess."
Ozai handed her the documents and petted her head to show his affection. "I'll try to stay in shape as long as I can for you but you should probably hurry up about your feelings or you'll be riding me till I die."
Swatting his hand away, "Don't touch me. Probably had your fingers up that concubine's cunt."
"If it makes you happy, I was thinking about you."
Katara glared at him as he laughed and pulled away.
"Fine, I'll see you tonight, dear."
Folding her arms as she watched him leave, Katara had to say this might work out as long as he doesn't overstep but maybe she was speaking too soon. She was just hopeful is all, she told herself. If things stayed like this, there could be peace for her life after all.
…...
Over the next thirteen days, the Fire Lady was busy collaborating with the Ministers to get her healthcare project put into place and preparing for the banquet that was tomorrow. Both were very important and very vital. However, while the ministers were working on each part of her plan that concerned their departments, Fire Lady Katara was able to give her undivided attention to the banquet. With Ming and Ursa aiding her, Katara was about to have the guest rooms assigned, food catered and prepared, the gardens where they would be hosting the banquet were all laid out and decorated. All that was left to do was go over the seating arrangement for the guests.
Ursa walked through the table area with Katara while the servants were still getting everything situated.
"Ozai and I will sit here as we are the hosts." Katara placed her hand along the mahogany wood of the table while a servant was laying out the table cloth. "I'm told his ranked consorts need to be present."
Picking the tables on both the left and right of her table, Katara placed the name cards down for who she wanted seated where. Of course, she picked Kuran, 2nd consort to sit closest to her as it would demonstrate that Kuran was her favorite and would make Minister Horikashi pleased. Ozai's 1st consort would sit closest to him and the rest, Katara just placed wherever.
"We should have the Earth Kingdom ambassador and his family seated here beside Zhao and Mai." Katara suggested as Ursa was at her side.
"That's a bit too close to Zuko and Iroh's table." Ursa pointed out.
"Oh, yes, you're right." Katara took Zuko and Iroh's name cards, moving them to the outermost table next to her brother's and his family. She wanted them far from her. Not because she wasn't somewhat happy that they would be arriving but because she didn't want any conflict.
Ursa pointed that the families of the consorts needed to be mixed in with the guests from the Earth Kingdom.
As they were closer to getting more and more name cards placed down, Katara noticed Ozai was making his way to her in a fast pace. She made a silent prayer that it wasn't anything that was going to put her in a sour mood.
"We're almost wrapping things up here. Is there something you need?" She asked him as she continued scanning the area to find where her next set of names would go.
"I need you in the infirmary wing." Ozai told her in a soft voice.
"What for?" Katara stopped what she was doing and looked at him.
"Soji is ill."
The waterbender dropped the name cards and pushed past him, taking off to the infirmary.
Ursa looked from her to Ozai, "Ill? He was fine just a day ago."
Ozai looked over at his ex-wife, "What would you know, Ursa? You left your children."
"But I still raised them at very young."
Scoffing as he took his leave, "Finish the rest for her." he ordered.
The palace physician informed the Fire Lord and Lady that their son had come down with a fever but would recover since he was given medicine to treat his fever. Katara sighed in relief as she held her son close to her chest and gazed down at him. She hadn't had a lot of time to see the boys lately and it made her feel like she was neglecting the most important task she had and that was being a mother.
As the physician went to concoct some more medicine for the child, Ozai turned to his wife and saw her concern for their son. It was one part of him that he could see she loved and he knew she must have been missing a lot of time with the children since she was busy with the banquet and her other project.
"I'll have Ursa and Ming finish setting up for the banquet. You look after Soji till he's well again." He told her.
Katara looked up at him and nodded, "Thank you."
Ozai's eyes fell from her to their infant son in her arms. He didn't see the boy often but something about seeing a child he made with a woman he had actual feelings for made him feel differently than before.
Catching him staring longingly at Soji, Katara tilted her head a little and wondered if he wanted to hold him. He hadn't held their son since he was a newborn and was being given the title of crown prince.
"Did you want to hold him?" She asked him.
"You'd let me?" Raising his brow at her.
Pulling Soji away from him, "Not if you're going to burn him."
"I won't." Ozai held his hand out for the boy. "I just want to see how much he weighs."
Katara looked him up and down as she hesitantly handed him the baby. She watched a smile go to Ozai's face as he got the baby in his hands and looked down at him. It made her smile a little. Forgetting for a moment that she hated his guts and only seeing him as the father of her child for the moment that he was taking delight in holding their son.
"He's gotten heavy." Ozai chuckled to himself.
"Then he's eating good and is healthy for the most part." Katara smiled at their son.
When the physician returned with more medicine for the baby, the couple was in their own little world as they cooed over their son together. Neither noticed the physicians return until he cleared his throat and they were back in reality. Ozai noticed Katara pulled away from him immediately and fixed her face from the amused motherly look she just had on her face. She went on to receive the medicine from the physician and thanked him before they left.
"We can keep him in our bedroom until he is well. Rest right between us." Ozai suggested.
Katara looked like she wanted to smile but he could see her restraining it. The last few days, Ozai had noticed whenever his wife was trying to be civil with him, her warm nature took over and as soon as she would realize this, she would withdraw from him. Just like in the infirmary. It was disappointing at times. Especially, when he was believing there was progress but he told himself he would be patient. At least, he'd have a brief moment where she wasn't expressing her deep loathing for him.
…..
Having a baby in the bed was a new experience for Ozai and he had to say, he had better nights. Soji was a quiet boy. Only had a soft cry that could barely be heard. Katara looked after him the entire night, barely resting herself. However, he was consciously aware of the child in the bed and he felt he couldn't relax enough to fully fall asleep. He feared rolling over to the middle of the bed even though he knew himself to be very stationary while sleeping. And what if Soji rolled over to him and he didn't notice, rolling on top of the infant? There was no use, Ozai wasn't going to get any sleep tonight and that was fine by him. He and Katara took shifts with Soji to which he saw she was incredibly thankful. So much so that in her tired delirious state, Katara had told him he was the best and kissed him just under his jaw before rolling over, snoozing in seconds.
In the morning, the couple was woken by their servants and were startled by their position. Ozai had the baby in his arms as he was sitting up in the middle of the bed while Katara had somehow laid her head in his lap. To his surprise Katara yawned and laid her head back down. Neither of them had anything to do until noon when they had to greet their guests. She asked one of the servants to watch Soji for just a few hours as they rested a bit more but not to leave the chambers with him. They obeyed and left the Lord and Lady to rest.
Making herself comfortable in his lap, "You're really warm." She commented as her eyes were shut. "Stay like this for a little longer."
Ozai really didn't want to sleep upright like this but he figured this was the closest he's gotten to having his wife on him in a long time. He shut his eyes and drifted off.
It was an hour till noon when they finally got up and they were both scrambling. So much so that Katara shoved Ozai out of her way to brush her teeth while he was shaving the stubble on his face. He winced as he was still a little sore where she stabbed him. She quickly apologized but then accidently pushed him into the wall when she squeezed herself into the shower with him to wash up. There was no time for a bath and she had less body mass to clean since she was smaller. Ozai groaned as she washed up in front of him and then raced out of the bathroom, bending herself dry. He rolled his eyes and went on to wash up in the shower.
When out, Ozai saw Katara trying to dress herself in her robes but they were made with the intent that there would be assistance.
"Hold still." He told her and adjusted how she had thrown on her clothes.
Katara lifted her hair out of the way as her husband pulled tight the sash around her waist. "Ow! Too tight."
"You should lay off the sweets then." Ozai told her as he managed to loosen it up enough to where it was comfortable on her and then went on to help her with the rest of her clothes.
Once done, Katara thanked him and then raced out the room without a second thought.
Ozai caught up to the speed demon that possessed his wife and saw she brought Soji along with her. He sighed and noticed she hadn't done her hair up or put her crown in her hair. Seeing that their guests were almost upon them, the Fire Lord got behind her and gathered her hair into a topknot while ordering one of the servants to get her crown. They came back as quickly as they could with the Fire Lady's crown.
"You didn't have to rush. I made perfect timing and I wasn't running all over the damn place." Ozai scolded her as he pushed the pin through the crown to lock it in place on her topknot.
"Thank you, Ozai." She said sincerely.
Scoffing as he took his place back at her side and held his hands in his sleeves, "No need. Your enthusiasm says enough to me. I'm glad you're taking everything so seriously."
"This is my home now. The home of my sons. You are my husband. This is my life. I have to take these things seriously, don't I?" Katara expressed as she shimmied a little in her robes, it was still a little too tight for her. Maybe she did need to lay off the sweets.
…..
Zuko steps out of the carriage with his uncle and takes in the view of the palace. How many times had he been kicked out of his own home only to come back to see it was still always here? He sighed as he felt his uncle pat his shoulder to comfort him. The only person that understood how bittersweet it was coming back to this place after a long while was him.
"Come, we need to greet Katara and your father." Iroh motioned him along.
While he knew it was his idea coming here, Zuko was having second thoughts. It was doubtful his father was going to receive him well and would most likely find a way to make him regret coming here. Then there was Katara. Would she even be present? How was his father treating her now that he was at full power and authority?
Making his way up the palace's steep staircase with the others that had come in attendance, Zuko tried not to hold his head down but he found it painfully shameful to be returning to this palace as a guest when just last year he had been the Fire Lord.
"Chin up, nephew. We are nearly at the top." Iroh nudged him.
When they reached the top, Zuko saw there was a bit of a line with everyone giving and receiving a greeting from the hosts. He saw Katara standing beside his father wearing the robes and crown of Fire Lady along with a smile he didn't think she could muster. And as he got closer, he saw in her arms a small child, the child she had been pregnant with the last time he saw her. His father's child. Immediately he felt sick to his stomach at the sight of them looking picture perfect. It had to be a front. He just knew it.
"Oh my, he is just the handsomest little guy I've ever seen." A Earth Kingdom noblewoman said as she cooed at the baby boy in the Fire Lady's arms.
"He gets his looks from me." Ozai laughed.
The Earth Kingdom couple laughed with him as a servant led them to where their chambers would be.
As Zuko's eyes met his father's, he felt an immediate chill down his back, obviously his father was not happy to see him...as always. His eyes slipped to Katara and looked like she was doing her damn best to not look his way, clearly she was still very upset with him.
"My, my, my, is this my new little nephew?" Iroh marveled at the infant in his sister in-law's arms.
Katara smiled at Iroh and nodded, "His name is Soji."
"Ah, Soji, a wonderful name for a bright little boy." Iroh smiled.
While Katara spoke with Iroh, not missing a beat from their fondness of each other over the years, Ozai decided to greet his eldest son.
"I see they've made you into one of their own." Ozai's eyes roamed the Earth Kingdom fashion his son was sporting and smirked.
Zuko scoffed, "I see you've settled back into your role as Fire Lord."
"Not without a little help but you'd know that had you not made poor decisions." Ozai taunted. "You missed the wedding."
Balling his fists, "As if I'd watch you force her-"
"Hush now, let's focus on the good and the hopes for new beginnings. I wouldn't have allowed you to return here if I didn't have intentions of making amends."
"Or kill me."
Smirking, "My wife would have my head if I took yours. I mean you no harm, son."
Hearing his father refer to Katara as his wife and then to him as his son made Zuko all the more ill. This was right. This would never be right.
Seeing the look of green on his son's face, Ozai snapped his fingers for a servant to come. "Escort Representative Zuko to his chambers and have the physician bring him a tonic for his stomach. He must have eaten something spoiled before arriving."
Zuko glared at the smug look on his father's face as the servant showed him to his chambers.
As all their guests had already been greeted, Katara asked her husband if she could have tea with Iroh to catch up with him.
"I never would have thought you were close with my brother." Ozai seemed a little caught off guard by this.
"You know I've always been good with the ladies, Ozai." Iroh laughed as Katara took to his arm, carrying their son in her other arm.
Ozai sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes in disgust, "Don't do anything with my wife, Iroh. I will not hesitate to kill you."
"As if Iroh would do something so dishonorable." Katara said in Iroh's defense.
"I knew him in the days before he had honor."
Iroh burst with laughter, "True."
…
Iroh had to say, Katara looked a lot better than imagined. He had truly feared for her when he heard his brother captured her again. It seemed his brother was infatuated with her and wouldn't let her get away from him. However, he didn't trust his brother to take good care of her. But Iroh felt he was proven wrong.
Seeing Iroh was studying her, Katara set her teacup down and looked away. "Things weren't easy at first. They still aren't. Ozai can still be a 'problem' at times."
"Has he hurt you?" Iroh furrowed his brows in concern.
Katara told Iroh what happened during the first months of their marriage and how it made her hate him. She hated him now. Still. Even when she wanted not to but she couldn't let herself forget who and what he was. She feared if she did, he would hurt her again.
"But he's not terrible completely. We're trying to get along for the time being. I don't serve him in bed anymore, he has his concubines for that. I think it's for the best that there be boundaries between us." Katara explained. "I'm okay with this."
"So you're content with a loveless marriage?" Iroh asked her as he reached for her hand.
Nodding her head as she held his hand, "As long as it's not miserable. I'm fine with this."
Ozai's head was killing him and he was hoping to rest some more until the evening event started. As he entered his chambers making his way to his bedroom, he heard his brother and Katara talking out on the balcony. Not above eavesdropping, the Fire Lord leaned himself against the wall and listened in on the conversation.
"To be honest, I like being Fire Lady. I get to do right by people that have been done wrong for many years. Even if these people are the citizens of a nation that's caused me and the world a lot of heartache, I've grown to love this place over the years." Katara stated happily. "Besides, Ozai is starting to see I'm not an idiot girl after all."
Iroh smiled, "Does he praise you?"
"Yes. He has. I don't know why but I like that he can see me in a different light. I'm more than just someone to be tied to a bed all day."
"That you are but I can't blame him." Iroh shrugged.
Katara playfully hit Iroh and called him a dirty old man.
"I'm just glad to see you're well taken care of. As long as you're happy, I'm happy."
"Thank you, Iroh."
It wasn't long before Katara and Iroh agreed to rest before the evening banquet. Ozai hurried his way to his bedroom so as to not be caught. A few moments later when he pulled his tunic from over his head to undress, his wife came in and was surprised to see him but quickly her expression changed.
"Are you that tired?" She saw him climb into bed.
Burying his head under a pillow to ease his migraine, "Yes and my body is sore from you forcing me to sleep upright."
Walking up to the bed, Katara had noticed Ozai was a bit ridget earlier and moved a bit slower than usual. She thought it was simply because he was tired but if his body was aching that would explain a lot.
"Do you want me to give you a massage?" She offered.
Lifting the pillow from his head as he sat up abruptly, "You'd do that?"
"My bending can be used for healing purposes too. I'm sure you remember me healing some of your wounds in prison. I can also soothe aches and pains as well as loosen up tight muscles." Katara told him as she lifted her skirt to climb into bed and make her way towards him.
Ozai watched her as she knelt in front of him and placed her hands on his naked chest, her fingers tracing over the grooves of his chest down to his abs.
"They're tight here." Katara pushed him to lay flat and he did, still staring at her.
Shouting in pain as he felt her do something to his insides, Ozai's eyes widened at her. How was she doing that without water?
"Turn over."
Ozai was a little reluctant after what she just did to him. "Don't you need water?"
"Did I need it to bend you into submission when we first met?"
His eyes widened and she forced him flat on his stomach, placing her hand directly on his back. Ozai felt her lay her hands palm flat against his back and curl her fingers until he heard a snap, feeling a sudden wave of relief in his lower back. She curled her fingers some more and all his muscles felt locked in place.
"I'll wake you up for the banquet, okay?" She told him.
"Wha-"
Uncurling her fingers, Ozai felt all his muscle loosen and a cloudy haze fall over him as there were a few more pops to his back. His eyes grew heavy and he was soon out cold. Katara snickered as she heard Ozai snoring. That method always soothed someone to the point that they passed out. Deciding to take a nap too, Katara curled herself up against her husband and moved his arm around her. She felt she would steal some of his warmth since they were sleeping above the covers.
A little bit later, the Fire Lord woke to his arm being wrapped around his wife, who was curled up against him. He sat up for a minute and felt the stiffness was gone, along with the occasional ache. His attention then returned to Katara as she laid asleep on his side of the bed, snoring softly as she was curled up. It was the second time he caught her laying this close to him.
Ozai watched her stir and one eye open, looking up at him as he stared at her. She waved her hand at him to come back.
"I'm cold." She whined.
"Then use the covers." He told her.
"It's not the same." Katara groaned as she rolled over, facing away from him.
The Fire Lord didn't know why his wife was suddenly okay with being this close to him in bed but staying warm didn't sound like a good enough excuse to him. He simply grinned to himself and placed his arm back around her, pulling her to him and resting his face in the back of her head. Inhaling her scent, Ozai felt he could fall back asleep just as easily and he did.
…..
All the guests were gathered in the garden where the banquet was being held but the hosts were nowhere to be seen. Many chatted amongst themselves about what could possibly be holding the two up. Even those of the court and harem were curious to know why the Fire Lord and Lady had not shown up yet. It was already thirty minutes in.
Sitting in the back, furthest away from where his father and Katara would sit, Zuko spotted Sokka approaching. Behind him was Suki holding their son and Zuko had to say, he was a bit jealous that Sokka was the same age as him but had a family of his own. That could have been him and Katara with their son.
As his friends came to sit in their seats beside him and his uncle, Zuko greeted them both warmly. He was happy they showed up.
Helping his wife to her seat, "Either of you seen Katara yet?" Sokka asked, taking his seat beside his wife.
"Ah, yes, your sister looks to be in good health. I had tea with her earlier when we arrived. She's being well looked after from the looks of things." Iroh informed them.
Sokka accepted this answer and looked around, "Where is she now? I don't see her or that bastard husband of hers anywhere."
"They are married, Sokka." Suki stated. "They might have lost track of time."
Both Sokka and Zuko shivered at the thought.
Iroh agreed with Suki. He didn't know all the details and Katara did express the marriage being difficult but he didn't see any hostility towards one another when they were greeting guests earlier. If anything, they looked like a happy couple.
"Oh grow up." Suki rolled her eyes. "Before all this, we knew Katara and him were fooling around so it's safe to say that that's happening now that they are married."
"Doubt it." Zuko scoffed.
"I don't care if they're married or not, I don't approve." Sokka folded his arms.
Suki looked down at her son and shook her head, "At least somebody married her and didn't leave her to be a single mother." She retorted. "And here I thought she couldn't be Fire Lady because of her background, guess that's been debunked."
Zuko looked down in shame.
"Maybe this wouldn't have happened if someone had listened to her cry for help instead of tell her she was a terrible mother. Maybe if someone helped her rather than tell her she was a whore, maybe this wouldn't be happening."
Sokka mentally berated himself.
"All I hope is that she's being taken care of and that she's happy. Even if it is that bastard we fought years ago. At least, he's got more sense than either of you and rights his wrongs. Instead of judging the situation like you both did before, let's find out what's truly going on."
…
Startled awake by frantic servants, the Fire Lord and Lady realize the sun has long since set. Shit, they were running late again. Except this time, they were definitely late. An hour at least. The servants quickly prepared the two of them. Getting them dressed in formal robes and fixing both their disheveled hair. Already, Katara could tell conclusions would be drawn about why she and her husband were an hour late. Not that it mattered really but she didn't want anyone to think they were fooling around when something as important as this banquet was being held.
Gathering the baby in one arm from one of the servants that had been looking after him, Katara took Ozai's arm with her free arm and told him they needed to be seen together.
"You've been awfully clingy." Ozai remarked as they made their way to the gardens for the banquet.
Katara shrugged, "You're my husband. I don't see the problem."
"No problem at all. Merely an observation."
Reaching the gardens, the Fire Lord and Lady saw everyone turn their heads and rise to their feets for a bow. The two made their way to their table and everyone sat. While Katara fixed the baby in her arms and handed him to the caregiver to take over to the table where Kai was sitting with Ursa, Ozai apologized for their tardiness.
"We had been up all night with the baby and lost sleep." Katara explained. "So we tried to play catch up and overslept."
The guests all snickered along with the consorts.
"I never pegged the Fire Lord for a man that lets his child sleep in the bed with him and his wife." A nobleman from the Earth Kingdom stated, seeming a bit taken aback.
"Typically, I wouldn't but the boy was not well and we wanted to look after him." Ozai answered the question without really thinking.
All the women 'awwed' at the Fire Lord, leaving him confused and looking at his wife for her to tell him what the hell they were awing at.
Whispering for just him to her, "Women like when men can be sensitive." Katara giggled.
Ozai still didn't get it but then again, he never did understand women.
With the Fire Lord and Lady present, the banquet could finally commence. Food was being served out to all the guests as everyone chatted amongst themselves. A few Earth Kingdom officials greeted the Fire Lord while noblewomen and consorts conversed with the Fire Lady. Everything seemed to be going nicely. Everything looked heavenly from what Suki could see. Katara did look good despite what Iroh told them had taken place between Katara and the Fire Lord. However, her own husband and his brooding buddy didn't seem to like any of what they were seeing. Zuko was clearly jealous that not only did his father have Katara at his side but was proving to be more fatherly to his half sibling. Sokka just hated the idea that his sister was even married to the man. Suki tried ignoring them and conversed with Iroh and one of the guests present. She hoped to get a chance to speak with Katara once the crowd surrounding her table left.
"And those are your two boys?" The Earth Kingdom women looked over at where the two princes were seated with their caregivers.
Katara nodded, "My oldest is Kai and is actually my husband's grandson."
The noblewomen were curious about the older one. While he did look like the Fire Lord, he was only given the rank of prince while his younger brother was crown prince.
"They are both very handsome boys." One woman stated. "I bet you and the Fire Lord are working on another boy."
"Perhaps a girl." Another noblewoman cheered.
"Oh, definitely have a girl. I bet she will be absolutely beautiful!"
Katara listened to all the women go on about her having another child and many requesting she have a girl as if that could be guaranteed even if she were actually working towards that. Despite outly appearing like a normal ruling couple, she and her husband were not on good terms. And even if they were, Katara was not interested in having more children though Ozai expressed feeling the opposite. However, she couldn't say this aloud and had to play to the beat of their drum.
Smiling at them all, "If we are lucky enough to have another, I would hope it is a girl. I'd have a child I could dress up in the prettiest of clothes and I'm sure she would be beautiful."
Managing to catch his wife saying this, Ozai got the impression that Katara was interested in having another child which was good news to him. He figured that's why she was trying to warm up to him but withdrawing because she was unsure and why she was sleeping so close to him. She was dropping subtle hints. Well, she didn't have to hint any longer, he'd give her what she wanted.
Everyone continued to chat and eat and some even took a stroll through the gardens. Katara felt that the banquet was a success and the Earth Kingdom officials were definitely taking a liking to Ozai. She was happy that at least their plan was working. As she got up from the table to go sit with Ursa and her boys, the waterbender was stopped by a hand on her shoulder.
"Suki!"
"Katara!"
The two women embraced.
"How have you been?" Katara smiled as she pulled apart from her friend and saw Suki's hair was much longer.
"I've been great aside from raising two boys." Suki joked.
Katara chuckled as she figured she was referring to Sokka, "Well, you look great. I heard you and Sokka finally tied the knot."
"Wished you could have been there. You're grandmother has been asking a lot about you. We haven't told her much for fear it'll make her ill but she's happy to hear you're alive and well." Suki expressed somberly.
Holding back her instinct to become emotional from hearing about her grandmother, "Well, maybe I'll get to visit one day with Kai and Soji."
"We didn't tell her about Soji." Suki regretfully stated. "Or about what happened to you or anything really. She thinks you and Zuko made up and are raising Kai together in the Earth Kingdom."
This caused Katara to feel even worse.
"I'm sorry, Katara. Sokka didn't want her to know. No one in the village can even say a word of it."
Typical Sokka. Katara thought to herself as she glanced over at Suki's table and saw her brother holding his son while Iroh tried offering the baby tea. She furrowed her brows a little bit, realizing she was feeling even more excluded from her friends and family.
"Kat, are you alrig-"
Katara swatted Suki's hand away from her as she pulled away and ran off into the garden, wanting to be alone.
…..
Ozai had been watching his wife the entire time as she was speaking with her friend. He saw her face slowly drop the more she and her friend spoke. Obviously, it wasn't a good encounter because Katara took off. He signaled for her guards to follow after her just to make sure she was alright. He wouldn't bother her. Besides, it would draw attention.
The consort sitting directly to his right poured him more wine and flashed her eyes in concern, "Is her majesty feeling okay?" She asked.
"I would hope so." Ozai took the glass she just poured him.
The rest of the night, Ozai was tended to by his consorts while his wife's seat remained empty. A few nobles from both his court and the Earth Kingdom asked about her. He could only express that she wasn't feeling well to which left many to their imaginations. When the evening banquet came to a close, the Fire Lord informed his all his guests to make themselves comfortable as his staff will tend to all their needs.
Escorted out of the gardens by an entourage of his concubine, Ozai kissed his two favorites and told them to return to their chambers as he will see them after he checks on his wife. The women all giggled and hurried away as he took his leave, heading to his chambers.
Upon reaching them, he noticed Katara's guards were standing outside the doors, letting him know she was inside. He entered and heard her yelling along with what sounded like glass being broken. Ozai cautiously proceeded to enter and searched each room for his wife. It wasn't long before he found her in their study breaking all the vases and tossing scrolls and books everywhere. Grabbing her from behind as she was about to throw another vase, Ozai restrained her and growled in her ear.
"What the hell are you doing?!"
Katara didn't struggle. She simply panted as she was out of breath from screaming and yelling and breaking things. Adrenaline was still pumping through her veins. She was so angry and so heartbroken. How could her brother not tell her grandmother the truth? Was he ashamed of her? He didn't even greet her. Didn't say 'hi' or anything. Just gave her the cold shoulder. Hanging her head as tears fell from her eyes, Katara shook her head and bit back the cry that wanted to escape.
Feeling something wet hit his arm as he continued to hold her, "What's gotten into you, waterbender?"
"I'm just tired." Was all she could say in a small voice.
Ozai let her go and she fell on her knees, burying her face into her hands.
"I want to be alone right now, okay?"
"Are you s-"
"Please, Ozai, leave me alone." She pleaded.
The Fire Lord didn't argue with the woman. If she wanted to be alone, that was fine. He had plans for tonight anyway. He just hoped she didn't destroy the place when he came back in the morning.
…
In the morning, Katara woke in bed alone and stared at the empty space beside her. This is not what she pictured her life as a married woman being like. Her husband being in the company of women she picked for him to spend his time with since she was anything but willing to carry out her 'wifely' duties. There was more of a romantic nature to the marriage she pictured in her head. Spending her life with a man she loved and loved her. One that would do anything to make her happy. But she was just so tense. From seeing her friend and brother with their son. They seemed to have a nice marriage. Even if it was complicated and difficult, at least they loved each other. And the banquet, she put on a front like no other for all the guests. Everyone thought she was so happy and that her and Ozai were just baby making all the time. Not like she could tell them she stabbed him the last time he got her underneath him.
Sitting up in bed, the waterbender ran her hand over the front of her head and rustled her hair on top. She sulked, hating that she wanted to be how a wife was supposed to be to her husband all while hating her husband for what he put her through. Why couldn't Ozai have just kept his cool and talked to her instead assuming she was growing cold towards him? She was only doing what she heard was expected of Fire Nation wives. She thought that's what he wanted. She thought it would keep them from fighting. How was she supposed to know he didn't want her to be so docile? Katara had truly wanted things to work out for the sake of making the best out of a shit situation. But it was all doomed, was it not?
Feeling herself become a little emotional, Katara rubbed her eyes and sniffled. After Ozai told her why he married her and that he would settle for mere companionship if it was all he could get from her, she felt like softening up. Like letting her walls down but she was so afraid that if she did it would be everything all over again and she couldn't do that. So even if she wanted to truly behave as a wife, Katara couldn't bring herself to. At least not now. She needed more time.
The bedroom doors opened to her husband being followed in by his servants. He came to the edge of the bed where she was sitting with her head hung. She didn't feel like him catching her in tears because that would anger her, hating to be vulnerable in front of him.
"I got you a few gifts." Ozai told her as placed his hand over her head.
Katara sniffled a little and rubbed her eyes some more before looking up. She saw the three servants were holding up trays with something different on each one. Ozai snapped his fingers and the servants came closer to show her what the gifts were. The first item looked like a swimsuit, the second was a fur coat, and the third was a newly made dress.
"I planned a trip for us. Just you and me. We'll leave the palace for a few weeks. Go to Ember Island for a bit, then visit the South Pole to see this family of yours you seem to be missing, and after a long conversation with the Earth Kingdom representatives, we'll be visiting Ba Seng Sei to better relations between us and the Earth Kingdom." Ozai told her as he sat on the edge of the bed.
Furrowing her brows in confusion, "You planned this? Ozai, why? What makes you think I want to go?"
"It's already decided. I spent all night coming up with this. Even if you don't want to go now, I think you will appreciate it." He explained.
Katara ordered the servants to leave and they quickly did so with the harsh tone she used with them.
"I'm not going." Katara folded her arms. "Take your concubines with you."
Kneading his brows, "You're my wife. I'm not traveling without you. Besides, we're going to the South Pole to see your family."
"I don't have a family, Ozai! My parents are dead! One of which you killed! And what's left is my brother that blames me for everything that happened and a grandmother that doesn't even know I'm married to you! She'd have a heart attack at the sight of you! You'd be killing someone else I care about! I'm not going!"
Ozai seemed upset by this. He thought he was doing something that would cheer her up. That's all he could think of last night. He had disappointed his harem ladies just to plan a trip with his wife because he thought she would want this. She had been softening up a little. He thought for sure this would fix things between them. Hell, she even told the noblewomen that she wanted to have a daughter with him. Or was she just saying that to put on a front? If so, he was so stupid.
"You've been giving me mixed signals the last few days, Katara. I thought-"
"Thought what?! That I was going to open back up to you? I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong message but I did not intend for you to see it as anything more than it was!"
"Then what was it?" He was seriously confused now.
"I'm lonely! Very fucking lonely! Since I can't cuddle up or get friendly with anyone else because you're a jealous asshole, I figured maybe I could try occasionally doing so with you. But now, I'm seeing I can't because you do stupid shit like this! What do you not get about me hating you?!"
Standing to his feet as he didn't want to hear anymore, Ozai bit his tongue and clenched his fists as he tried to get himself under control. He had only been trying to be a good husband and she was yelling at him like he did something wrong. It was taking everything he could not to yell back at her or say something hurtful, it would only make her hate him more. So he had to be bigger than that. He had to suck it up and get his anger under control.
Exhaling as he slowly got himself under control, "Preparations have already been made, we leave after this week with our guests. I'll bring a few concubines with us so you don't feel pressured to entertain me. You can enjoy the trip as if I weren't there. I won't bother you. You won't even have to speak to me. Fair?"
"Fine." Katara hugged her arms around herself as she hung her head again.
Ozai left immediately and slammed the door behind him.
Throwing herself down into the pillow beside her, Katara wept and hugged it to her face. You moron! I'm not going to not hate you! Stop trying to make me feel differently! But deep down she wanted to not hate him so much. Especially when he was just trying to be nice to her.
…..
A/N:
So should Katara try working towards forgiveness or should she be as cautious about this marriage as she is being? She's married to the Fire Lord and there is no easy way out.