PART 2
CHAPTER 26
ZUKOS POV
Unfortunately there was no content in Zuko's dreams. As he drifted to sleep he went from heaven to the deepest pits of Agni's hell.
Zuko found himself in an empty clearing with his wrists chained to the ground bringing him to his knees. It was dark outside, and he seemed to be surrounded by tall sycamore trees that towered over the space like looming shadows. Zuko knelt there helplessly, confused about how he'd gotten there. The young prince yanked at his chains to no avail before lifting his head up to find his father staring at him from across the clearing. Zuko startled internally.
Externally his face hardened into a scowl, before quickly mutating into fear when Zuko realized what he was holding.
Ozai held Katara against him as she struggled to free herself from the ropes restraining her. She was dressed in Fire Nation red, and her mother's necklace was nowhere to be found. In place of it was a golden chocker, meant to harness to a leash.
Katara's pregnant belly bulged between the ropes.
"Zuko!" she cried, tears swimming in her blues.
"Oh dear Agni, Katara!" he screamed, desperately pulling against his restraints. They held fast almost as if they were cemented into the ground. Zuko's fists ignited into flames, only for him to hiss in pain when the metal around his wrists nearly branded him.
"Aahh" he yelled turning his wrathful gaze onto his father "Let her go!"
Ozai laughed, taking in his son's struggles with the utmost amusement.
"Oh I intend to…she will be let go into Agni's fire" he smiled before yanking Katara towards a wooden post. He dragged her across the clearing as she kicked and screamed, wailing to be left alone. Zuko had already dislocated both of his wrists trying to release himself from the shackles that afflicted him. He barely even registered the pain as he continued to yank his arms away from the restraint.
"Stop! Father Stop!" Zuko's eyes were beginning to well as he watched the Fire Lord tie Katara to the post. His water bender's eyes bore into his with unrestrained fear, her chest rising and falling rapidly in panic.
"Zuko…what is he doing? Please stop let me go!" her voice was airy and rasped from the sheer terror she was experiencing as she trembled uncontrollably. She began to flail again, but her arms and legs had been tied tightly against the wood. She began to scream as she took in the surrounding firewood at her feet.
"Katara…Katara baby look at me" he tried to say calmly but his command sounded more like a sob. She listened to him anyway, her chest still heaving as she locked eyes with him from across the way.
"I love you" he cried, his voice trembling "it's going to be okay" he tried to assure her.
"Enough" Ozai sneered.
It took him less than a second to light the kindling on fire. Katara's screams became shrill as the flames caught, quickly reaching her feet. Fire erupted from Zuko's mouth, hitting the surrounding air uselessly.
"Stop it! Get her out of there you lunatic!" he screamed hysterically. Ozai ignored every plea as Katara's cries became unbearable. Zuko couldn't even feel his arm breaking as he twisted his body to try reaching her.
The flames were beginning to lick at her dress before everything fell away.
Zuko gasped aloud sitting up quickly in a panic. He soon realized he wasn't outside but instead in his room on his farm. He looked over to find Katara lying next to him, snuggled beneath the blankets. He spooned himself behind her hurriedly, eager to feel her and make sure she was real. He kissed her shoulder gently before wrapping his arm around her torso to pull her close. Finally his heart rate began to slow.
The truth that he could not shake was that his dream could have been reality. By the skin of Agni's grace Yue had met that fate and not Katara, but it could have very well gone the other way. The fact that anyone had to die was enough to haunt Zuko for the rest of his days, especially it being someone as angelic as Yue.
"I don't deserve you…either of you" he whispered against her skin as he looked up at his son's crib "I couldn't keep you safe when it mattered most. I wasn't there…I don't deserve this happiness."
He kissed Katara one last time before getting up from the bed and heading out into the living room.
He could sense that Druk had just returned from hunting. Zuko walked out the front door and mounted his dragon, intending to ride is sorrows away.
KATARAS POV
They had decided to leave the farm yesterday morning. Zuko insisted that he needed to return to court immediately, as he had some very important things that were waiting on his agenda. She abided by this and packed away a few sentimental items.
Now they were in the sky flying towards the Fire Nation for the first time without war looming behind them.
This was the slowest she'd ever seen Druk fly. He floated lazily above the Mo Ce Sea, slow enough to coast above the low clouds and allowing the wind to billow beneath his wings. The sun was beginning to set over the horizon, painting the once white clouds an orange hue. Katara sat comfortably, reclined in a plush sofa seat that strapped onto the dragon's back. The contraption was dressed in red velvet with a leather belt that strapped both her and Salai in snugly. She looked forward watching the back of Zuko's head as he sat atop Druk's neck.
She silently wondered what it would be like once she arrived at the palace. She had never once been to the Fire Nation's capital city. In fact the only time she'd been on this nation's territory was when they stayed on Ember Island.
In truth Katara was afraid.
She was a foreigner coming to an elitist country with their nation's Prince in her arms.
She was going to be a walking target.
But with how adement Zuko had been about her and Salai's safety over the past two days, she had no doubt in her mind that he would ever choose anything but them. He had made it abundantly clear that his family came before all else. He would never make that dire of a mistake twice. She hoped that when he arrived to his homeland he would feel more at ease. Since they'd reunited she had noticed his discontent.
Katara noted that something in Zuko had changed drastically. He was much colder, and prone to sudden outbursts. He had made love to her the first night he came back, but had not touched her sense. Zuko hadn't given her so little as a kiss on the forehead. She was aching for his touch but that wasn't even the worst part. He seemed to want nothing to do with Salai. He had not held him since the first time he picked him up a few days ago, even though he'd had plenty of opportunities.
Katara did not know what to make of this. She tried to stay positive, thinking maybe he needed time to get over the shock of seeing them.
It wasn't long before they had reached the city of Caldera. The gigantic crater of a municipal was nestled within a dormant volcano, the sun glaring off of its red tiled rooftops. They flew closer to land making it easy for the capitol's citizens to see Druk soaring above their homes. Many people pointed upwards, gathering along the streets to see their King returning. Many shouted and praised him, whistling or making any sound with objects that they could. Katara watched as the streets flooded with people, an overwhelming sense of pride for her husband overtaking her.
His people loved him.
She held Salai closer grateful that their altitude did not allow for people to see her within the carriage.
Once they had made it to the palace Zuko had an entire entourage waiting for him at the grand entrance steps. He landed Druk before turning to her and unharnessing them both from the carriage. He lifted her into his arms bridal style while she held Salai before descending from his dragon, using jets of fire from his feet to soften their landing. He placed them gently on the ground before putting her free hand on his arm while holding Salai in her other. He guided her up the steps past the rows of servants, palace guards, and court nobility; all of them bowing before him. Katara had worn her best lavender chemise dress, but it was nowhere near as luxurious as the dresses the ladies at court wore in front of her. Katara knew she must look like a peasant to these people.
She passed one lady in particular who did not have her head bowed, although she knelt in a low curtsy. Everyone else around them rested their eyes on the ground in respect for their King…yet this woman's eyes simmered pridefully over Katara. She wore all black, with sharp bangs accentuating her regal features. She was the best dressed lady there, Katara noticed. The woman locked eyes with her, a passive frown marring her otherwise lovely face. The water bender looked up at Zuko in confusion who's eyes were boring ahead, not even acknowledging the woman. Katara held onto to her husband tighter as she passed by.
When they reached the top of the steps they were met with a formation of Kyoshi warriors. At its head was none other than Suki herself. Standing next to her was General Iroh.
It appeared that Suki had cried half of her warrior makeup off as Katara approached her. The warrior grabbed Katara in a bruising embrace, only letting up when Salai began to squirm.
"I can't believe I am seeing you with my own eyes" Suki cried "we were all told the worst…"
"I know, Zuko told me" Katara said sadly before squeezing her friends hands between hers in comfort.
"It seems that I owe you an apology son…I did not believe you when you tried to tell me" Iroh said regrettably.
"Do not apologize Uncle, I understand that it was rather hard to believe. I'm just glad I did not listen" he smiled. Iroh embraced Zuko before pulling Katara in for a hug as well. Suki asked to hold Salai as they entered the grand palace. Katara gently handed him over to the warrior as they stood in a marbled atrium which branched off between two different staircases.
"Uncle can you have the servants prepare the Fire Lady's quarters for Katara?"
There was a significant pause.
"What of Lady Mai?"
"She isn't in the Fire Lady's quarters is she?" he snapped.
"No but she resides in the west wing"
Zuko sighed deeply.
"Have her moved, I will make my decision regarding that tomorrow. For now I must go check in with my council."
And with that he kissed Katara on her forehead before departing into the east wing. It was the most affection he'd shown her in two days. She sighed deeply as she watched him leave.
"General Iroh, may you be needing anything?" asked a servant as he approached them.
"Yes, please prepare the Fire Lady's quarters for Lady Katara and her baby. In addition Lady Mai is to be relocated to the north wing. Oh! And please prepare Lady Katara and I a nice picnic lunch…I'm sure she is famished from travel. Is he eating solid foods yet dear?" he asked her mid request.
"Oh-um yes mostly mashed fruits and vegetables"
"And prepare some mashed foods for the baby as well"
"Of course my Lord, where will you and Lady Katara be dining?"
"Ursa's garden" he smiled.
"Right this way my Lady" a female servant said stepping forward before leading Katara away from Iroh and up a flight of grand stairs.
The palace seemed to stretch on for meters upon meters as she followed the servant through the many halls and atriums within the Fire Nation's grandest display of wealth. Every room and every corridor was beautifully crafted and perfectly lit with the sun's natural rays. She hadn't expected so many arching windows, balconies, and garden courtyards to be sprinkled throughout the palace. It allowed for so much greenery to surround them.
They passed many other servants along the way, along with some noble men and women who openly stared at her in confusion. Katara could not wait to reach her designated quarters so that she could escape the scrutinous gazes.
They had entered another hallway that felt much different from all the rest. Flowers lined a wide bridge like corridor with massive arched windows that stood from the ceiling all the way down into the foyer below them. Purple and pink flowers lined the halls.
"Welcome to the west wing my Lady" the servant said softly.
They had made it to a massive entrance made of the most beautiful oak she had ever seen. The servant fetched her key ring before unlocking the chamber and letting her in.
Katara could not believe her eyes. These were quarters fit for a queen.
The young servant shut the double doors quickly before she had a chance to take it all in. The servant rushed to her suddenly.
"I must warn you my Lady this is all very unusual. It is not proper for the Fire Lord to move you into the Fire Lady's quarters…especially since he is betrothed to another. I'm not sure what your relationship with your Grace is but you must understand my Lady this can be dangerous for you and your child" she explained.
Katara shook her head.
"Thank you for your concern Lady…"
"Sho, my name is Sho my Lady"
"Thank you Sho, but I trust Zuko. I trust that whatever he has planned will work out" Katara said with a sigh.
Sho's lips pressed into a hard line before she gathered herself and placed a smile there instead.
"Very well my Lady. I shall send for the tailors to get a dress for your picnic with General Iroh. The maids will be here momentarily to bath you and tend your hair."
And with that she left the room, closing her and Salai into the opulent suite.
ZUKOS POV
The following morning had been the same as usual, with the exception of getting to wake up next to his beautiful wife. He never thought he'd be lucky enough to see her lovely face nestled against a pillow again. After a long evening of much needed catching up with government affairs he had snuck into the Fire Lady's quarters and into bed with Katara last night. She had been fast asleep by the time he made it in, with Salai tucked away in the nursery chamber a few feet away.
He had woken before both of them, even before the sun had peaked above the horizon. The King removed himself from the bed stealing one last glance at his lovely water bender.
He made his way to his study, in need of finalizing his marital documentation. Zuko hadn't even bothered to change out of his night robes before heading to the east wing in haste. Servants who were still working the night shift stole curious glances at their Lord wondering why he was up so early. The sky was still pitch black as he sped through the halls.
Today was a big day.
Today he intended on officially introducing Katara to his court as his wife, as well as advocate for a proper ceremony for his son's crowning. Though Akuzo was technically crowned at his funeral, he had not been celebrated by the public as the nation's heir.
The nation's prince that was alive.
They could make it a small and intimate gathering with only the most important officials and their families.
Once he had reached his office Zuko went straight to work, combing through each tedious clause and piece of legislation that would make this exchange possible. He had to figure out a way to undo a marriage annulment that had been wrongfully issued in the first place while simultaneously voiding his current betrothment to Mai.
"Fire Lord Zuko, your council awaits you" he heard Suki's voice call from the opening of his study's door after he had been at it for a while. He tore his gaze from the scrolls in front of him, his eyes finally registering the sun light shining in through the stained glass. Zuko regarded her with a nod of his head. She gave him a smile before a small chuckle spilled out.
"I'll make sure to grab your armor" Suki jested before bowing out of the room, the sound of her clanking mail filling then leaving the space. He looked down at his sleep robes and slippers with a frown. Sure enough she returned shortly with a large leather bag hoding his armor. She handed him the heavy bag before turning around for his privacy. He changed quickly dawning his favorite and most comfortable black leather armer.
"Can you help with the back plate?" he asked. Suki nodded before stepping behind him and firmly grasping the buckles at his back. Zuko let out a deep breath.
"Nervous?" Suki asked.
Zuko shook his head slowly.
"Where do you think my council will lean?"
Suki cleared her throat as she adjusted the straps.
"I will be frank with you because you are my friend before you are my King…they will do everything they can to outvote you on this. Mai is the picturesque ideal Fire Lady, not to mention she comes from a renowned Fire Nation family, with a lot of political power might I add. An alliance with this family would seem advantageous to many Fire folk. Katara may have given you an heir first but he is not of pure blood, not to mention having origins of the opposite element-"
But they ca-"
"Make them see" Suki interrupted.
"What?"
"This is your family Zuko. If you fight for nothing else fight for your family. Make them see that a Water Tribe alliance is far more advantageous than any local alliance can ever be. Make them see that you and Katara are a symbol of the new era of peace."
Zuko swallowed "Do you think it's possible?" he asked.
"If you can slay the Phoenix King than you can overcome anything" she whispered.
Zuko took a deep breath before gathering the required documents and heading through his study doors and down the hall.
By the time he'd made it to his throne room Katara was already there waiting for him, Akuzo in her arms. A pack of female servants and guards stood behind and around her.
She was dressed like a Queen, just like he had ordered. She wore his nation's red, but in a deep burgundy hue that seemed to deepen her skin. Gold adorned jewels graced her collar bone as it plunged into a low-necked corset. The dress hugged her curves so delicately before billowing down the floor in a beautiful drape.
"You are stunning" he breathed before kissing her cheek. He wanted to do much more but there were way too many people around.
"Thank you" she smiled up at him.
"And look at the little Prince" Zuko smiled reaching out so Akuzo could grab his finger. His son babbled up at him, his big golden eyes boring a hole into Zuko's heart.
He took a deep breath before closing his eyes.
"Zuko?" he heard Katara call faintly.
"We couldn't exist without them you know" Druk said as if it was the most obvious statement in the world.
"Who?"
"There is no fire without water. In order for one thing to exist, so must it's opposite" he explained.
"Yes…she balances me"
"She does more than balance you. She is the bridge that sustains your life. In the spirit world the dragon's rule the sea. To be at one with your other half is to be at peace."
"Zuko?" Katara whispered sharply.
The Fire Lord quickly opened his eyes, pressing his lips together in a tight smile.
"Do you understand what this is for my love?" Zuko asked. Katara looked up at him in uncertainty.
"You are asking to crown the Prince" she offered. He stepped impossibly closer.
"And in doing that I am claiming you as my wife" he said lowly. He saw her visibly shudder, but Zuko did not comment on it. Instead he took her free hand and walked her into the throne room proudly at his side. More people than usual had made it to court on this day, undoubtedly due to the rumors of the Prince's crowning. Zuko walked past them with his head high, his crown sitting proudly atop his head. He lead her past the mass of people. The ladies of the court stood to their left which included the Kyoshi King's Guard, and the men stood on the right including his council. He walked her over to the dais guiding her up the stairs slowly. His throne sat proudly next to a smaller throne which had not been filled since Zuko could remember. He turned to Katara giving her a reassuring look and squeezing her hand before addressing his court. He graced his subjects with a long sweeping gaze before speaking.
"Good morning great people of the Fire Nation. It is my honor to address our most influential leaders on this beautiful day. There have been rumors floating around about the mysterious appearance of a young woman in the palace and claims she carries a babe with her. Today I am here to tell you all the truth. I only ask that you have an open mind and heart when listening to my story…well our story" he glanced over at Katara who wore a soft expression, her blue eyes sweeping over the crowd. She was absolutely radiant, and he was astounded at how powerful she looked. But how could she be afraid now when she'd faced far worse demons in her short lifetime?
"Years ago I made a promise to myself. That I would always hold the people of this nation within my heart. That I would always protect them, with my dying breath. It's the same promise that got me exiled in the first place. Most of you know of the story of my boyhood, but what you all don't know is what happened to me after being exiled by my father. I traveled the world with my Uncle, scraping and scavenging. We tried our hardest to find purpose, to attach ourselves to a worthy cause against my father. We found purpose in the Avatar. Stumbling across Aang in the outskirts of the Eastern Air Temple would forever change the trajectory of my life. And he was not alone. With him he traveled alongside Suki Xo leader of the Kyoshi warriors and now my Hand, Toph Beifong master earth bender now first general of the Earth Kingdom, Soka Naat'aanii of the Southern Water Tribe now Chief of the Northern Water Tribe, and the beautiful Katara Naat'aanii of the Southern Water Tribe…Avatar Aangs water bending Sifu then…but now so much more" he breathed before sharing a long stare with her.
"It did not take long for me to fall in love with Master Katara's tenacious spirit, strong will, and otherworldly beauty. I had never met a Princess with such strength and resilience. Her willingness to put herself in danger for her people captured me. Soon after separating from the Avatar's group my Uncle was imprisoned by my father's men, leaving me alone to wonder the rural pastures of the Earth Kingdom. I stumbled upon a farm where I worked hard for years, biding my time to face the former Fire Lord. That is where Princess Katara found me again."
Zuko could not help but smile while telling this story. Katara seemed to be sporting a similar smirk.
"I married her shortly after being called back to war. She is the mother of Prince Akuzo, and my wife."
Collective gasps filled the room followed by whispers. Zuko waited until the conversations had died down before speaking again. His voice carried across the entire room holding a weight to it that captured everyone.
"There has never been another Fire Lady in our history who has also fought for their country. She is not only a lovely flower to gaze upon, but a true warrior in heart and practice. I know that she would protect this nation with her dying breath…as would I. She is the most capable Fire Lady I could have ever chosen" he could not help but lock eyes with Mai who stood in the back of the crowd by the door. Her eyes were rimmed red with unshed tears. The raven haired beauty turned abruptly storming out of the throne room, moving fast enough to draw some attention. Zuko cleared his throat. "We have entered into a new era of peace. An era that will welcome the connection within the four elements. There is value in joining fire with water…and not only politically but spiritually. We are stronger united. When we are done here I will discuss the legalities of this matter with my council, and it is my hope that they will be understanding. For now court is dismissed…thank you all for attending."
Zuko bowed deeply a sign of deep reverence for a King to do this to his subjects. In turn everyone in the room kneeled to the ground. Once the room was cleared he turned to Katara attempting to give her a reassuring look.
"That wasn't so bad right?" he asked. She smiled back, releasing a deep breath.
"Not terrible…you did all of the talking."
Zuko reached forward offering his finger for Akuzo to grab.
"I must go meet with my council now."
"What do I do while you're away?" she asked.
"Whatever your heart desires" he whispered stepping closer to her. He was suddenly overcome with the fact that he could now give her anything she could possibly dream of. It dawned on him that he was King of the most wealthy nation in history. He brought his hand up softly cupping her delicate face.
"If my love desires to eat breakfast amongst the flowers she may…if she desires a milk bath in the most luxurious spa in all the four nations she may…or maybe my love desires to shop for the finest silks and jewels. Whatever it is I could surely provide it for her" he smirked as he noticed the blush staining her face.
He felt his arousal flare.
"I-I'm sure I could find something to occupy myself with…" she whispered.
"I will come find you for dinner."
And with that they both parted ways, leaving Katara within the care of her lady servants. Now he just had to convince his council to end his betrothal to Mai and undo his annulment with Katara. He took a deep breath before walking to the council room.
END CHAPTER 26