Chapter Text
Katara slowly made her way through all the intricate halls of the royal palace, gazing at the paintings and different artworks as she went. Wow. He has added to the already vast art collection. Katara thought, her ocean-blue eyes roaming over each one she passed until she laid eyes on one that looked familiar.
She froze. Staring wide-eyed at the water tribe tapestries. The different shades of white and blue colorations were painted on the leather canvases made from animal hides. Her eyes followed a path that told the story of a brave southern waterbender who traveled the world with her brother, mastering her element, fighting some of the most powerful benders, and winning.
Next to the door of his study was a large painting of her in a fighting stance with one fist in front of her, water following her direction. Katara had never seen a painting of herself before. How is it so accurate? Am I….Am I really that…beautiful?
Katara always knew that she was attractive but this…This said something else entirely. It told of power, of beauty, of fierceness, of protectiveness, of courage, and the know-how to do what is right.
The paint to its left was one of the whole team. Appa, Momo, Toph, Sokka, Suki, Zuko, Katara, and Aang at the forefront. Whoever the royal artist is, he or she deserves a raise. These are absolutely incredible.
Katara didn't hear the door to his study open as she was so focused on the painting in front of her. Her eyes sparkled in wonder as she continued to gaze at them, also not noticing Zuko step out into the hall.
His honey-golden eyes found her first and he gasped, loud enough for Katara to hear him but she paid no attention to the sound. “Katara?” Zuko rasped in shock, eyes wide, blinking rapidly. She finally turned her head after hearing her name.
When their eyes locked, Katara let out a very happy squeal and ran toward him. His face lit up like a firework, eyes shining with happiness. “Katara!” Zuko shouted joyously, lifting her into a spinning embrace. She threw her arms around his shoulders and buried her face into the side of his neck.
Her laugh next to his ear was merry, the sound filling his heart with a tenderness he hadn't felt since she left. “Katara…” The whispered utterance of her name on his tongue made her eyes snap open, her heart thudding violently against her sternum in her chest. It wasn't that he had said her name…It was how he said her name. The reverence, almost like a prayer in his tone, made her body physically react.
Low in her belly, the muscles of her womb clenched vehemently, causing a gasp to slip past her lips. It was then that she realized the state of dress Zuko was in. No armor, no shoes, just a robe thrown over his shoulders with a pair of loose-hanging trousers.
Katara felt the way his muscles flexed as he held her tight within his embrace. With being pressed flush against him, she felt the way his abs flexed and trembled as he breathed her in. He is taller now. It made sense since she had to jump into his welcoming arms.
Zuko had become a man worthy of his title years ago when they defeated Ozai. But now…Now he was a man who was shaped by the gods in their likeness. No more was the baby-faced teenager she used to know. No…Now, his jaw was sharp, cheekbone high and defined his face better. The one eyebrow he did have arched higher above his eye, more expressive.
He set her to her feet but did not relinquish his hold on her. There was no space between them and the closeness caused a dusty flush to creep across her face and neck. Long lashes were fanned against her cheeks, currently hiding the piercing blue depths of her gaze. I remember this feeling. Every time he would hold me like this, it made me feel…different.
Zuko pressed his forehead gently to hers, golden gaze searching her face. He couldn’t see her eyes but did see how they hid behind those lashes. The sight made his heart skip a beat. She had always been beautiful, there is no argument about that. But now, she was truly stunning. Her sun-kissed skin was slightly darker, smooth, and so soft. His hands flexed at the small of her back, keeping her close. The feel of her arms around his shoulders had him smiling.
“When did you get here,” he asked, voice low. She lifted her eyes then, finding his soft gaze. They were close, too close. His scent -wood smoke, like sandalwood, cinnamon, and fire- was intoxicating. She could get drunk off his scent and not even realize it.
Her smile was slow and lazy, eyes hazing while she held his gaze. “This morning,” she whispered. “I ran into Kai just outside the palace gates and he told me you were still here. I’ve actually been here for some time. Your art collection is mesmerizing. I had no idea that you commissioned water tribe artworks. They’re incredible,” she said quietly and he smiled, teeth and all.
“Well, I wanted all nations to be included. There are other halls that include air benders, Aang mostly, earth benders, fire benders, and this one is for water benders as well as our friends. Everyone who tours the palace seems to like them and there is plenty of room for many more. I plan on having my personal artist fill all my halls with different bending styles and another library to include all the bending style scrolls I can find,” his excitement was evident on how his eyes sparkled as he told her his plans for all nations. He had already implicated a revenue of income for the treasury with palace tours. No one was denied as long as they were respectful of the royal artifacts. No issues had risen so far and the tour guide system had been going on for several months.
“That’s amazing, Zuko.You’re doing a great job as fire lord,” she noted out loud, her smile still in place.
“Thank you, Katara. Hearing you say that means a lot. More than you know,” his tone was gentle as he said that last part. “How long will you be visiting? Winter is here and…well…If you don’t mind my input, I think it might be best for you to stay for a while,” Zuko said, finally lifting his head to look around. His brow line furrowed in confusion. “Where is Aang,” he asked, looking back down at her.
He doesn’t know…
“Oh…Well, Aang and I are no longer together. It’s been almost a year. I’m sorry that I did write, Zuko. I’ve been traveling for a while, and I’m sure that you knew I was in Ba Sing Se. What I didn’t know is that neither your uncle or Toph didn’t tell you that Aang wasn’t with me,” Katara stated evenly.
“Is it okay for me to ask what happened,” Zuko inquired politely.
“Honestly, I just wanted to step out of his shadow. Don’t get me wrong, I do care for Aang but I don’t love him like I thought I did. We ended things on good terms. We didn’t fight or argue, which I was grateful for. I think he understood that I wanted to achieve things on my own or elsewhere,” she stated and Zuko nodded.
“That makes sense. Well, Katara, you are more than welcome to stay here for as long as you want. There are rooms next to mine that I keep unoccupied for special guests, and you would be one,” he smiled at her again, making her stomach flip. She agreed with a nod and a returning smile.
He guided her to the next wing over, called the family wing. Several large chambers were kept clean and organized. All of them were beautiful. Zuko’s chambers were the largest, which made sense since he was the fire lord. Colors of gold, red, and black decorated the walls, floors, and oversized bed. His desk in the far corner was beside a large window for natural lighting. An enormous fireplace was next to his bed. Far enough away to not start a fire, but close enough for warmth. It was amazing.
“Zuko…This is incredible. Is this where I’m staying,” her question was full of wonder as she took in her surroundings. His chuckle was deep and she turned to see the mischievous look he gave her as he laughed. She eyed him suspiciously. “What?” Katara asked warily.
Zuko continued to chuckle lightly as he spoke,”As much as I would enjoy your presence in my personal chambers, I don’t think that would necessarily be appropriate; don’t you think,” he asked quizzically, arching his brow.
Katara’s spine went ramrod straight, a furious blush spreading over her face and down her neck. She coughed lightly into her hand before answering,”No…I suppose not,” she said sheepishly, causing the fire lord who was currently leaning against the entrance to the room to chuckle again.
“No, it wouldn’t,” he agreed, the humor evident in his tone at noticing Katara’s flushed state. She deadpanned at him, only making his chuckle all the more joyous. Katara softened at the sight. She hadn’t seen him laugh like this in so long and couldn’t help the helpless smile that crossed her face. “This way,” he gestured for her to follow him and she did without hesitation.
Only a few feet away was another door that led into a different large room. The layout was similar to Zuko’s room, only smaller. She didn’t mind it at all. The colors were mostly the same, different shades of red and gold here and there, but not much else. The room was spacious enough for Katara and she smiled. “Thank you, Zuko,” she said fondly. “This is wonderful.”
Zuko inclined his head, crossing his strong arms over his chest. “I’m glad you like your room. I must inform you,” he paused briefly before continuing,”These rooms share the same bathing chamber. Through that door on the right,” he pointed toward it and Katara followed his direction. She nodded when she located it, then turned her attention back to him,”That door leads to our shared bathing room. My door is located in the same fashion, just opposite the room. I will always knock before entering,” he informed her. She thanked him again and he turned to leave, but just before he closed her door, he looked back over his shoulder and spoke his next word so tenderly,”I’m glad you’re here, Katara.”
He left without saying anything else and before she could respond. Her heart raced in her chest.
Me too.